Smoky Mountain Bear Attack

Smoky Mountain Bear Attack. Great Smoky Mountain National Park officials have closed backcountry campsite 29 in Cosby after an incident with a bear occurred on June 18, 2021. Sources report a 16 year old young woman from Tennessee was attacked and injured by a black bear while sleeping in a hammock. The attack occurred at campsite 29 approximately 5.7 miles from the Maddron Bald Trailhead. The young woman was treated at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The following informative video about Black Bear safety featuring retired GSMNP ranger Arthur “Butch” McDade was recorded in 2016 prior to the recent bear attack.

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Smoky Mountain Strawberry Moon

Smoky Mountain Strawberry Moon is on the rise! This first full moon of summer 2021, also known as the Strawberry Moon, rises June 24, 2021, marking the last super moon of the year. June’s full moon arrives at 2:40 p.m. EDT (1940 GMT). … In turn, the Moon will look slightly bigger and brighter since it’s closer to the Earth than usual.

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Hike Naked Day!

Hike Naked Day! That is right, June 21st is the official international hike naked day! The free and easy event is often a rite of passage for many long distance hikers who love to surprise unwary day hikers. If you decide to bare it all, inhibitions included, and hit the trail in your birthday suit remember that local laws must be observed despite your flamboyant nature. While there are no federal laws prohibiting nudity in National Forest or Park lands that may be overridden by local statutes. Do your research and make sure your trail of choice is agreeable to your lifestyle choices and be generous with the tick repellant! Everyone knows June 21st is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year but they may not be prepared for the moon to come out surprisingly early!

Smoky Mountain Cicadas

Smoky Mountain Cicadas. What’s all the buzz about?

A rare natural history event is unfolding right now! This month through mid-July, billions of 17-year periodical cicadas are expected to emerge across the eastern United States. Grab your earplugs and get ready! Periodical cicadas are a group of species that don’t emerge yearly, they emerge in 13- and 17-year cycles.

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Lights, Camera, Action! Appalachian Bear Rescue double your donation campaign!

Lights, Camera, Action! Appalachian Bear Rescue double your donation campaign! Now’s the chance to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION impact and give your favorite bear cubs a second chance at life back in the wild where they belong. Gatlinburg Brewing Company, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and an ABR supporter have agreed to match every one of your donations – dollar for dollar – up to $6,000. Help us reach our campaign goal of $25,000 to fix our cameras, care for Hops, Barley and Bourbon Bears and all bears that come to us for care, and to run a world-class bear rehabilitation facility. Double your impact TODAY! For a $50 donation to the campaign, ABR will mail you an exclusive ABR 25th Anniversary holiday ornament (shipping included).For a $25 donation to the campaign, ABR will mail you an ABR 25th Anniversary patch (shipping included).For a $10 donation, ABR will email you an exclusive Hops Bear Paw Print.REMEMBER THAT FACEBOOK DOES NOT SEND ABR YOUR MAILING ADDRESS OR EMAIL ADDRESS. If you want to receive the ornament, patch or paw print, send an email to lisa.philippen@appalachianbearrescue.org. Provide your mailing address and/or email address!! Thank you for your generous support!