Black Bear Struck and Killed While Trying to Eat Pancakes in Tennessee | US News

A black bear was struck and killed while trying to eat pancakes on the side of the road, an animal rescue group said.

Warning: This story contains images of a dead animal

Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) based just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tennesseesaid the bear was struck by a vehicle near the town of Townsend.

On Wednesday, the rescue group said it was “able to identify that this bear was a male and also what attracted him to come so close to a dangerous, busy road in the first place – human food.”

They said on social media: “Not even a meter from the deceased bear was a plate of discarded pancakes.”

“With fall hyperphagia in full swing, the male bear likely viewed the pancakes as a simple, high-calorie meal.

“Unfortunately, that meal was the last he would ever eat.”

In the post, ABR urged drivers and hikers to safely secure and dispose of trash in areas with black bears.

“Securing your food, trash and recycling also means not throwing away trash,” they said.

“Dumping unwanted food and waste in wild places is dangerous not only for bears, but also for all other wildlife.”

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The U.S. National Park Service said on its website that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is “one of the largest protected areas … where black bears can live in wild, natural environments.”

They added that there are around 1,900 bears in the park.

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Visitors are warned not to give or leave human food for the bears because it could alter the animals' behavior, pose a threat to public safety and make bears vulnerable to cars and poachers.

The National Park Service issued fines of up to $5,000 (£3,850) and six months in prison for those who litter, feed the bears or store food improperly.