A black bear met a tragic end after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to feast on pancakes left on the side of a state highway. The incident occurred near the city of Townsend, close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Appalachian Bear Rescue reported that the bear was found deceased near the remnants of the pancakes. The nonprofit organization received a report of a bear hit on Highway 321, a winding road connecting Maryville, Dollywood, and Johnson City.
Wildlife officials arrived at the scene to find the adult bear in a precarious position, unreachable due to the steep and curvy road. With the assistance of the Townsend police chief, rescuers were able to safely retrieve the bear.
Human negligence was cited as the primary cause of the tragedy. The bear had been lured to the dangerous roadside by the presence of human food, a practice that poses significant risks to wildlife.
The Appalachian Bear Rescue shared photos of the incident on social media, urging the public to refrain from discarding food in forested areas. The organization emphasized the importance of responsible behavior to protect wildlife and prevent such heartbreaking occurrences.
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