Black bear causes panic in a Gatlinburg parking lot

A black bear caused chaos on July 23, 2026, when it entered a crowded parking lot at a shopping center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The sight of the animal running through the area caused panic among bystanders, who scrambled to find safety. A witness captured the incident on video from a nearby balcony.

Gatlinburg is located in close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, which stretch across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Black bears frequently descend from their natural habitat into populated areas in search of food. While residents and frequent visitors to the region are generally educated on safety guidelines regarding local wildlife, the encounter remained an alarming event for those present.

Authorities confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or significant property damage resulting from the bear's presence in the parking area. No further incidents or follow-up actions have been announced by local officials following the dispersal of the animal.