Bear Country Survival Guide: Myths, Mischief, and 20,000 Calories

Think a bear in a tree is just taking a nap? What if we told you they can climb 70 feet high and snooze in a hollow branch for months? In this episode, you will learn the crucial “Dos and Don’ts” of visiting bear country so you can protect yourself, your family, and the local black bear population. Hosts Caroline Bean and Brent Thompson sit down with wildlife experts Janelle Musser (TWRA) and Ryan Williamson (National Park Service) to debunk common myths about hibernation and hunger. We dive into the science of "Hyperphagia"—the period where bears consume 20,000 calories a day—and explain why your "harmless" bird feeder might actually be a dangerous attractant. Plus, we hear the unforgettable "Story Capsule" about a bear named Richard who crashed a 60th birthday party to get a taste of some sheet cake. Subscribe to get your inside pass to the Smokies, and visit Gatlinburg.com/podcast to enter to win a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass for up to six people! Interested in learning more about Black Bears? Head to BearWise.org for more!