[WATE:](https://www.wate.com/news/sevier-county-news/bear-downtown-gatlinburg-caught-on-camera/)

**Caught on camera: Bear spotted crossing the street in downtown Gatlinburg**

>A woman visiting Gatlinburg caught one of the Smokies’ most famous residents on camera as a bear wandered into downtown.

>The video, sent to 6 News by Vickie Ellet, showcases a bear walking across the street near Tennessee Hemp Care. People can be seen watching the bear as it goes across the street, then disappears from view.

>Black bears are most active during the spring and summer in the early mornings and nights. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says if you encounter a bear, don’t feed it and give it plenty of space. If you see a black bear, you can try to scare it away by making loud noises. The agency also warns people not to run from the bear because it will chase them.

>The City of Gatlinburg previously told 6 News that bears are often attracted by food. The city encouraged residents and tourists not to leave exposed food in places bears can get to it. Feeding bears, even accidentally, can change their behavior and cause them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. They often become aggressive in the hunt for more food and become a risk to public safety. Often, they must be euthanized because of this.

Parkway Panda Sighting - August 2026