Massive 375-Pound Bear Rescued from Gatlinburg Rooftop and Safely Returned to Smoky Mountains

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — A unique rescue operation unfolded in Gatlinburg on Friday morning when a bear found itself in a precarious position atop a rooftop. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reported that the animal had become stuck on the roof of a building in the early hours.

The Gatlinburg Police Department was alerted to the situation between midnight and 2 a.m., after receiving multiple reports of a black bear pacing across several rooftops along the Parkway. Video footage and photographs captured the bear’s rooftop adventure, drawing attention from onlookers.

By 11:30 a.m., officials from TWRA, along with National Park Service personnel, safely tranquilized the bear. With the assistance of a bucket truck provided by the City of Gatlinburg, the 375-pound bear was carefully brought down and later released back into its natural habitat within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Courtesy: Hallie Herbert
Courtesy: Hallie Herbert

Encountering a black bear can be alarming, but there are steps to ensure safety. If a bear hasn’t noticed you, remain still and quietly retreat. Should the bear spot you, slowly back away—never run, as this could provoke pursuit. If a bear advances, stand your ground, wave your arms, and shout to deter it from approaching further.

TWRA has also urged people to avoid close contact with bears and not to feed them. While feeding bears is not prohibited by state law, there are ordinances in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains aimed at protecting both visitors and the bears themselves.

Massive 375-Pound Bear Rescued from Gatlinburg Rooftop and Safely Returned to Smoky Mountains

Share and Follow

Share and Follow