Close Encounter: Tourist on Mountain Coaster Films Family of Black Bears

Unexpected Wildlife Encounter: Tourist on Mountain Coaster Has Close Call with Black Bears in Gatlinburg A recent video has gone viral, showing a surprising encounter between a tourist and a family of black bears in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The incident occurred on May 30, 2025, when a young woman riding a mountain coaster had an unexpectedly close encounter with the animals. The video, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the bears moving through the woods near the mountain coaster track. "I couldn't believe it," said the woman in the video. "It was so close, and they were just walking around like it was nothing." The video has sparked discussion about wildlife encounters in tourist areas and the importance of respecting the natural habitat of animals. Gatlinburg authorities have reminded tourists to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and to follow safety guidelines when visiting the area. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting peacefully with nature.