Teen Attacked By Black Bear While Sleeping

For the second time this season, Great Smoky Mountain Nation Park officials have issued a warning concerning bear incidents in the Park. Late Saturday evening, around 10:30 pm, a teenager was pulled from his hammock as he slept ten feet away from his father. According to officials, the father and son were on a back country backpacking trip that was intended to last ten days. However, the trip was cut short due to the actions of an aggressive bear. The victim of the attack, a sixteen year old male, received multiple injuries in the attack and was transported via Mountain Area Medical Airlift to a hospital in the Ashville area, after the duo hiked to another campsite and were driven to a local boat dock by other campers who had a boat. The teen arrived at the hospital at around 3 am and remained conscious throughout the entire incident, despite having several lacerations to head, as well as multiple other injuries. Several back country campsites have been closed while the attack is investigated. This latest incident is on the heels of Park Officials closing more heavily traveled sites earlier this season due to aggressive bear activity. Park Officials are urging caution while visiting the Park and request that the public complies with all closures to ensure the safety of visitors to the Park. It is unclear if the most recent incident is related to a previous closure of the Derrick Knob Shelter on the Appalachian Trail. According to reports, the father and son had properly stored all equipment, food and packs on aerial food storage cables. Information on specific closures can be found on the National Park website.