Current:Home > BackBlack bear found dead on Tennessee highway next to pancakes-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Black bear found dead on Tennessee highway next to pancakes
View Date:2024-12-24 00:42:46
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! (81932)
Related
- How Ben Affleck Really Feels About His and Jennifer Lopez’s Movie Gigli Today
- Former Florida lawmaker who sponsored ‘Don’t Say Gay’ sentenced to prison for COVID-19 relief fraud
- 3 charged after mistaken ID leads to Miami man's kidnapping, torture, prosecutors say
- Police on the hunt for man after Maryland judge killed in his driveway
- New York nursing home operator accused of neglect settles with state for $45M
- Hearing in Trump classified documents case addresses a possible conflict for a co-defendant’s lawyer
- Trucks mass at Gaza border as they wait to bring aid to desperate Palestinians
- More than 300,000 student borrowers given wrong repayment information, Education Department says
- Kendall Jenner Is Back to Being a Brunette After Ditching Blonde Hair
- More fraud, higher bond yields, and faster airline boarding
Ranking
- New Orleans marks with parade the 64th anniversary of 4 little girls integrating city schools
- College football Week 8: Our six picks for must-watch games include Ohio State-Penn State
- New Jersey dad sues state, district over policy keeping schools from outing transgender students
- Judge threatens to hold Donald Trump in contempt after deleted post is found on campaign website
- The Daily Money: Mattel's 'Wicked' mistake
- AP Week in Pictures: Europe and Africa
- Woman’s dog accidentally eats meth while on walk, she issues warning to other pet owners
- What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and listening
Recommendation
-
Apologetic rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine gets 45 days in prison for probation violations
-
Lawmakers Want Answers on Damage and Costs Linked to Idled ‘Zombie’ Coal Mines
-
Wi-Fi on the way to school: How FCC vote could impact your kid's ride on the school bus
-
Altuve hits go-ahead homer in 9th, Astros take 3-2 lead over Rangers in ALCS after benches clear
-
Get well, Pop. The Spurs are in great hands until your return
-
AI chatbots are supposed to improve health care. But research says some are perpetuating racism
-
Israeli writer Etgar Keret has only drafted short notes since the war. Here's one
-
Natalee Holloway fought like hell moments before death, her mom says after Joran van der Sloot's murder confession