Horse Creek Campground in Greeneville closed because of bears, unstored food

Published 8:52 am Wednesday, June 7, 2023

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Due to food storage non-compliance, bear encounters are increasing in Cherokee National Forest campgrounds risking visitor and bear safety. In recommendation from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Horse Creek Campground on the Unaka Ranger District is now closed until further notice.
Campers are currently reporting dangerous bear encounters on National Forest campgrounds primarily north of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. USDA Forest Service officials remind visitors of food and refuse restrictions across the entire Cherokee National Forest. The restrictions, in place since 2017, prohibit possessing or leaving food, bear attractant, or refuse unless it is possessed and/or stored properly. Visitors are required to store unattended food in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material or suspend food at least 12 feet off the ground.
Definition of terms in the Cherokee National Forest Food Storage Order:
“Food” means any substance, which is not native to the immediate area, solid or liquid (excluding water, baled hay, or hay cubes without additives), which is or may be eaten or otherwise taken into the body to sustain health or life, provide energy, or promote growth of any person or animal.
“Bear Attractant” means any substance having an odor that may attract bears including food, soft drinks, cooking grease, alcoholic beverages, canned foods, pet foods, processed livestock feed and grains, personal hygiene products, and empty food and beverage containers.
“Refuse” means any discarded material or solid waste.
“Possessed properly” means: Possessed or attended by a person(s) who is under immediate control of food, attractant, or refuse. The person(s) must be physically present within 100 feet and in plain sight and have the ability to immediately attend to and store such items properly.
“Stored properly” means:
– Stored or disposed of in a bear-resistant container or trash receptacle, which is a securable container constructed of solid non-pliable material capable of withstanding 200 foot-pounds of energy. When secured and under stress the container will not have any cracks, openings, or hinges that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. Wood containers are not considered bear-resistant unless they are reinforced with metal. Most coolers are not considered bear-resistant, or
– Stored in a closed hard top motor vehicle or travel trailer constructed of solid, non-pliable material that, when secured, will have no openings, hinges, lids, or coverings that would allow a bear to gain entry by breaking, bending, tearing, biting, or pulling with its claws (any windows in the vehicle must be closed), or
– Suspended at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from limbs, or
– Stored within a hard-sided residence, building, or storage container subject to the terms and conditions of a special-use authorization or operating plan, or
– Stored by other methods approved in a permit issued by the Forest Supervisor.

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