Tourists in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, resorted to breaking an SUV window with a rock to free a young black bear that had become trapped inside the vehicle.
The incident occurred last week when the bear apparently entered the SUV, possibly in search of food, and inadvertently locked itself inside. Video footage captured the chaotic scene as the group attempted to free the animal.
Initial efforts to unlock the vehicle from the outside using a tool were unsuccessful. The group then escalated their rescue attempt by smashing the SUV's rear window with a large rock. Once the glass was broken, the people quickly moved away, and the bear was able to escape through the opening.
Gatlinburg, a popular tourist destination near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, experiences frequent encounters between humans and black bears, particularly during warmer months. The national park is home to an estimated 1,900 American black bears.
This incident follows other recent bear-related events involving vehicles. In Colorado, a black bear died in early August after becoming trapped inside an unlocked vehicle in Colorado Springs. The bear reportedly opened the car door, entered, and became trapped when the door closed. It caused significant damage to the interior while attempting to escape before being discovered days later.
Another incident in Manitou Springs, Colorado, on July 29, involved a black bear trapped for hours inside an unlocked vehicle, causing substantial damage. Firefighters eventually freed that bear, which then escaped into a national forest before wildlife officials could intervene.
Park officials, including the National Park Service in the Smoky Mountains, advise visitors to always lock their vehicles and refrain from leaving food, garbage, or scented items inside to prevent attracting bears. The Gatlinburg incident serves as a reminder to ensure keys are not left inside vehicles accessible to wildlife.