Current:Home > MarketsBlack bear found dead on Tennessee highway next to pancakes-VaTradeCoin
Black bear found dead on Tennessee highway next to pancakes
lotradecoin trading account types View Date:2024-12-25 23:07:34
A driver fatally struck a bear as it attempted to eat pancakes on the side of a state highway bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, wildlife officials in East Tennessee reported this week.
The black bear's death took place on the roadway near the city of Townsend, a city in Blount County about 30 miles southeast of Knoxville.
According to the Appalachian Bear Rescue, pancakes were found on the ground near the bear's body after someone struck and hit the animal with a vehicle.
The nonprofit agency said it received a report of a bear hit on Highway 321, a curvy highway which runs from the city of Maryville east to Dollywood then north to Johnson City.
Arriving wildlife officials reported its crews found the adult bear left in a spot too dangerous for curators to safely reach it.
According to the agency, the stretch of road was too steep and curvy for drivers to see, and so Townsend's police chief helped crews reach the bear.
"With the help of red and blue police lights, curators were able to identify that this bear was male and further, what had enticed him to get so close to a dangerous, busy roadway in the first place − human food," the rescue wrote.
'Death by human carelessness'
Photos posted by the agency on Facebook in an effort to draw attention to the case drew both sadness and warnings.
"So very sad. Such a terrible waste all because of negligence," one user posted in the comment section.
"So sorry," another user posted. "Please, do NOT throw food out on the road.... . Male bear just following his tummy...death by human carelessness. Drive slow in bear country."
Warning: The following image may be disturbing to some viewers.
The agency said the death serves a reminder for people not to throw leftover food away while in forested areas.
"We know it’s difficult to see pictures like the ones we shared in our post earlier today, but sometimes pictures can tell a better story, especially for those without a voice," the agency wrote. "We are so grateful to have a community of friends and supporters like you that are willing to look and listen, even when it’s hard. Thank you for being here."
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- I loved to hate pop music, until Chappell Roan dragged me back
- Shane Gillis struggles in a 'Saturday Night Live' monologue which avoids the obvious
- Alabama’s IVF ruling is spotlighting the anti-abortion movement’s long game
- Republicans running for Senate seek to navigate IVF stance after Alabama ruling
- East Coast storm makes a mess at ski resorts as strong winds cause power outages
- Biden is summoning congressional leaders to the White House to talk Ukraine and government funding
- Cleats of stolen Jackie Robinson statue to be donated to Negro League Museum
- Josh Hartnett Makes Rare Appearance at 2024 SAG Awards After Stepping Away From Hollywood
- China's new tactic against Taiwan: drills 'that dare not speak their name'
- South Carolina primary exit polls for the 2024 GOP election: What voters said as they cast their ballots
Ranking
- Save 30% on the Perfect Spongelle Holiday Gifts That Make Every Day a Spa Day
- 'Where Is Wendy Williams?': The biggest bombshells from Lifetime's documentary
- This is what happens when a wind farm comes to a coal town
- Climate change may cause crisis amid important insect populations, researchers say
- Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown
- This Modern Family Reunion at the 2024 SAG Awards Will Fill Your Heart
- Ex-FBI informant charged with lying about Bidens will appear in court as judge weighs his detention
- What's the best place to see the April 2024 solar eclipse? One state is the easy answer.
Recommendation
-
Singaporean killed in Johor expressway crash had just paid mum a surprise visit in Genting
-
‘The Bear,’ ‘Spider-Verse’ among the early winners at Producers Guild awards
-
To stop fentanyl deaths in Philly, knocking on doors and handing out overdose kits
-
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton involved in scuffle at 7-on-7 youth football tournament in Atlanta
-
KISS OF LIFE reflects on sold
-
Why do we leap day? We remind you (so you can forget for another 4 years)
-
Olympic champion Suni Lee's rough Winter Cup day is reminder of what makes her a great
-
Leaders are likely to seek quick dismissal as Mayorkas impeachment moves to the Senate