Tennessee Bear Viral Video: People Run for Safety As Animal Chases Crowd Across Gatlinburg Parking Lot
A viral video from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shows people running across a parking lot after a bear approached the area on July 18. Witness Lara Bynum said she heard screams before filming the encounter from her balcony and expressed concern for a man who tried to photograph the bear up close. The bear later crossed the street and drank from a nearby river.
A dramatic video from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, shows people running across a parking lot after a bear approached the area, prompting several individuals to rush into their vehicles for safety. The incident occurred near River Road on the night of July 18, with footage of the encounter later gaining attention on social media.
The video was recorded by Lara Bynum, who said she heard people screaming shortly before the incident unfolded. She stepped onto her balcony and captured the scene as visitors hurried across the parking lot while the bear moved through the area.
Crowd Flees Across Gatlinburg Parking Lot As Bear Approaches
A woman witnessed a dramatic scene from her balcony as a bear ran through a parking lot in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, sending people scrambling for safety. https://t.co/rJO1NIiQLL pic.twitter.com/NOu3bzHrdN
— ABC News (@ABC) July 23, 2026
Witness Describes Tense Moments
According to Bynum, she had been preparing to go to bed when the commotion outside caught her attention. "I was very nervous for all of the people running through the parking lot," Bynum said. She said one person particularly caught her attention during the encounter.
"Especially the guy in the orange outfit because he was not getting in the van with the rest of his group. He kept trying to take a picture of the bear up close." The footage shows multiple people quickly making their way to nearby vehicles as the bear remained in the vicinity.
Bear Later Moved Toward Nearby River
Bynum said the situation eased after the animal left the parking lot. "The bear later crossed the street and got a drink from the nearby river." No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Gatlinburg, located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is known for frequent sightings of black bears, particularly during the warmer months when the animals often wander into residential areas and tourist locations in search of food.
Wildlife officials routinely advise residents and visitors to maintain a safe distance from bears, avoid feeding them, secure food and garbage properly, and never attempt to approach wildlife for photographs.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the importance of exercising caution during bear encounters, especially in areas where wildlife and tourism frequently intersect.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 05:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
