Smoky Mountain Black Bear Eats Dinner at Gatlinburg Restaurant

A Smoky Mountain black bear spent a little time dining at Howard’s Steakhouse in Gatlinburg on Friday.

A waitress at the restaurant had just brought out a fresh order of onion rings to a table at the restaurant. Within a few short seconds, the bear made its way to the table, sat up in the chair and leaned over the table and started eating the food.

Restaurant guests moved out of the way until the bear finished and casually left the patio.

How You Can Help Keep Smoky Mountain Black Bears Safe

Seeing black bears in the Smoky Mountains is pretty common. Unfortunately, seeing them in places like Gatlinburg restaurants is incredibly unsafe – for the people in the area and especially for the bear.

Often times, black bears begin to get too comfortable around humans, so the bears have to be euthanized since they are too dangerous. It’s important for you to stay away from the black bears and not lure them with food or scraps.

Be sure to take a look at our Smoky Mountain black bear safety tips for more information on how to keep you, your family and the black bears safe during your visit.

Other Sightings of Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

There’s been other black bear sightings in the area, too. Here’s 2 of the most popular sightings we’ve reported on our blog:

1. Click here to see the video of a black bear climbing down a Gatlinburg condo building.

2. Click here to watch what happens when a Gatlinburg bear was found rummaging through a woman’s car!

Plan Your Trip to the Smoky Mountains with Us!

If you’re ready to visit and see the Smoky Mountain black bears in their natural habitat, start planning your vacation today. Click here to look at the best Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville cabin rentals for your vacation.