They are not trained bears like the ones we see on television. Recently a female hiker was killed and partially eaten by a mother bear and her cub. The tragic incident was the first reported fatal attack by black bears in the history of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As is any bear that seriously injures a person, the mother bear and her cub were destroyed. Their destruction was necessary as bears are creatures of habit and repeat behavior that results in food for them.
Officials stress that such incidents are extremely rare.
The park receives over 10 million visitors annually and is home to approximately 1,800 black bears with very few injuries. Despite obvious risks, most people feel fortunate if they see a bear while in the park and most do so without placing themselves, others, or the bears in jeopardy. Some visitors, however, definitely get too close to this usually shy but powerful animal. This was a most dangerous situation. No matter how tame and cute the bears appear, one should never get between a mother and her cubs.