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Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains: Not Taking Over, But Definitely Thriving
It may seem like black bears are everywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains these days. Overturned garbage cans, scattered food wrappers, trail cam footage of bears rummaging, and paw prints galore—it's easy to feel like they're invading campgrounds, picnic areas, and even backyards. Some folks have nicknamed them "garbage bears" due to their knack for raiding trash. One viral story even captured a black bear climbing into a hot tub for a relaxing soak in the Pigeon Forge area!