Springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains brings not only a bloom of vibrant plant life but also an increase in wildlife activity, particularly from the region’s iconic black bears. As these majestic creatures awaken from their winter hibernation, they embark on a quest to replenish their energy, often leading to surprising and close encounters with humans. With the warmer weather, black bears venture into areas where people live and vacation, drawn by the promise of food and curiosity, resulting in fascinating, sometimes amusing interactions that showcase their adaptability and boldness.
One such encounter recently made headlines when a black bear decided to indulge in an unusual form of spring relaxation. Todd Trebony, a visitor staying at a vacation cabin in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, received the surprise of a lifetime when he discovered a large black bear casually lounging in his hot tub. Far from just a fleeting glance, this curious bear had made itself comfortable in the warm, bubbling waters, seemingly relishing the experience as if it were an ordinary guest at a luxury spa.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Trebony, recalling the surreal moment. “I walked outside to check on the tub, and there it was—a black bear, just hanging out like it was having the time of its life.”
Trebony’s amazement turned to quick action as he pulled out his phone to record the rare spectacle. The video, which quickly went viral, shows the bear calmly soaking, with steam rising from the water. The animal seemed utterly at ease, taking advantage of the hot tub’s warmth and jets—perhaps a welcome change from the cool mountain air.
While this incident brought smiles and laughs to many who saw the footage, it also highlights the unique relationship between humans and wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. The region, which spans parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, is home to a thriving black bear population, and encounters like Trebony’s are becoming more common as bears venture closer to human dwellings in their search for food and comfort after long winters in hibernation.
Black bears are a common sight in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the only species of bear found in the eastern United States. These impressive animals are integral to the ecosystem and play a significant role in maintaining the balance of nature in the region. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), an adult male black bear can grow between 4 and 7 feet in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Despite their large size, black bears are surprisingly agile and curious creatures, often exploring new environments when driven by hunger or curiosity.
The bears of the Smokies are typically black in color, with a distinctive straight brown snout. Their strong physical build allows them to thrive in a variety of environments, from dense forests to mountainous terrain. Known for their adaptability, black bears are capable swimmers and climbers, and their powerful limbs enable them to access food sources that other animals cannot.
However, it isn’t just their strength and size that make them so fascinating. Black bears are also highly intelligent and resourceful animals, which can lead to encounters like the one Trebony experienced. After months of hibernation, black bears wake up in the spring with a ravenous appetite. Their primary goal is to find food, and as natural food sources like berries and nuts are still scarce early in the season, they may be drawn to human habitats in search of easy meals.
While many people associate bears with their wild, untamed nature, the bear in Trebony’s backyard showed a more relaxed side. It’s rare to see a bear enjoying something as seemingly human as a hot tub soak, but this bear appeared completely at ease.
Experts speculate that the warm water likely felt soothing to the bear after months of hibernation, during which time their heart rate and metabolism slow significantly. Emerging from this dormant state, the bear could have been drawn to the warm, bubbling water as a way to ease the stiffness in its muscles and joints—a therapeutic soak in nature’s version of a spa.
As amusing as the situation was, it’s important to remember that black bears are still wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. While this particular bear appeared peaceful, any close encounter with wildlife should be approached with caution. Todd Trebony knew this and made sure to keep a safe distance while recording the bear from the safety of his cabin.
Trebony’s hot tub visitor wasn’t the only recent sighting of a black bear in the Smokies. Philip Talbot, another tourist visiting the region, had a far more intense experience while driving through the park’s famous Cades Cove. Known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Cades Cove is one of the most popular areas for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the Smoky Mountains’ animal inhabitants.
Talbot and a friend were driving along a quiet stretch of road when they saw traffic ahead come to a standstill. As they approached, they realized that the cause of the hold-up was a black bear—this time not lounging in a hot tub but engaging in a dramatic battle with its prey.
“It was one of the wildest things I’ve ever seen,” said Talbot, who had been an avid hunter for years but had never witnessed such raw power up close. “At first, we thought it was a mother bear with her cub, but as we got closer, we saw the bear attacking a wild hog. The intensity was incredible.”
The encounter was a rare glimpse into the predatory side of black bears, which are primarily known for their plant-based diet. However, as Matt Cameron from the TWRA explains, while 90% of a black bear’s diet consists of vegetation such as berries, nuts, and plants, they are omnivores and will hunt animals, especially during times when food is scarce. Emerging from hibernation, bears are particularly hungry and will take advantage of any opportunity to hunt, especially young, weak, or injured animals.
Talbot’s video of the encounter, like Trebony’s, went viral, showcasing the stark contrast between the tranquil image of a bear relaxing in a hot tub and the raw, powerful predator in the wild. It serves as a reminder that black bears, while often curious and non-threatening, are still wild animals that require respect and distance.
With black bears becoming more visible as they venture closer to human populations, it’s critical for residents and visitors alike to understand how to safely coexist with these incredible animals. As the TWRA advises, one of the most important steps people can take is to ensure that bears are not unintentionally lured by unsecured food sources. Bears have an incredible sense of smell and are often drawn to pet food, bird feeders, and especially garbage.
Matt Cameron emphasizes that feeding bears, whether intentional or not, can have severe consequences. Bears that become accustomed to human food lose their natural foraging habits and can become dangerously bold, leading to potential conflicts. “A fed bear is a dead bear” is a common saying in bear country, underscoring the importance of keeping bears wild by preventing them from associating humans with food.
Black bears are naturally wary of humans and typically avoid confrontation. However, their curiosity can lead them into closer proximity with people. Understanding their behavior is key to staying safe in bear country. If a bear is encountered, it’s important to give it plenty of space and avoid startling it. Bears may make loud noises, swat the ground, or stand on their hind legs as a way of expressing their discomfort. These behaviors are warning signs that it’s time to back away slowly and give the bear room to retreat.
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to one of the densest black bear populations in the country, with an estimated 1,500 bears roaming the national park. Visitors like Trebony and Talbot are often drawn to the area for its natural beauty and the chance to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. Whether observing a bear lounging in a hot tub or hunting in the wild, these encounters remind us of the incredible creatures that share this space.
Rescuers swooped in, but when they got the pup into their care, she had lost the use of her back legs, was struggling to breathe, and weighed just around 20 pounds.
As spring progresses, more bears will emerge, searching for food and exploring the region. While sightings like the one Todd Trebony experienced are rare, the opportunity to see black bears in their natural environment is a special part of life in the Smokies. By respecting their space and following guidelines, humans and bears can continue to coexist peacefully in this shared paradise.
For visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains, these unforgettable experiences are a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the delicate balance between human activity and nature. Whether it’s a bear enjoying a hot tub or the powerful display of survival in the wild, each encounter provides a unique glimpse into the world of one of North America’s most beloved and awe-inspiring animals.
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