Dollywood is encouraging visitors and local residents to be BearWise and keep black bears safe in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains.
The new initiative at Dollywood is part of a collaboration with BearWise Tennessee, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and the city of Pigeon Forge.
Through this partnership, the theme park is encouraging visitors, residents and businesses to help protect the black bear by taking thoughtful actions such as removing food and rubbish from vehicles.
National Park Service
"Dollywood taking this initiative to educate visitors from all over will have a lasting impact on not only guests, but the community and black bears current and future," said Janelle Musser, assistant black bear programme coordinator at TWRA and Tennessee BearWise.
Guests will soon see BearWise signs throughout Dollywood properties, each sharing tips and reminders regarding black bear behaviour, and ways to help protect the animals.
BearWise signage at Dollywood
"At Dollywood, we believe part of our role in this community is teaching people how to enjoy the Smokies safely," said Jerry King, Dollywood's safety manager.
"Becoming BearWise isn’t just about rules – it’s about understanding bear behavior and making smart choices, like keeping food secured and giving bears plenty of space."
"Because of the millions of guests who visit our properties each year, we can share the BearWise message with an even broader audience."
National Park Service
He added: "We hope that if everyone does their part, we can help protect these incredible animals and keep the mountains a place we all can enjoy for years to come."
Per a press release, one of the biggest challenges for the TWRA and BearWise Tennessee is the rapid turnover of visitors in the Smoky Mountain region.
"With millions of guests each season, Dollywood Parks & Resorts provides an ideal location to promote the BearWise message to visitors and residents of the region," said Dan Gibbs, black bear programme coordinator of TWRA and Tennessee BearWise.
Images courtesy of Dollywood
