GATLINBURG, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is warning tourists in the Gatlinburg/Smoky Mountains area to lock their vehicles.
According to a Facebook post, TWRA Officer Gene Parker was called to an incident involving a bear in a truck. Officials said the black bear opened the unlocked truck door and became trapped inside.
As a result, the bear destroyed the interior of the vehicle.
“Folks, if you visit Gatlinburg, please make sure to lock your vehicle doors and never leave food or anything containing the odor of food inside,” officials said in the post. “Thieves are least of your worries with hungry bears roaming around! Unfortunately, this occurs all too often around the Smoky Mountains.”
Photos courtesy of TWRA: