Great Smoky Mountain National Park rangers rescue young black bear using backhoe

Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park safely rescued a young black bear using a backhoe and teamwork after it became trapped by onlookers.

Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers said they rescued a young black bear using some unconventional methods.

It happened back in October on Laurel Creek Road. GSMNP leaders said a young black bear, who was likely startled while trying to cross the road, climbed up a steep bank to escape traffic. They said visitors started to stop and watch, trapping the bear and creating a dangerous situation. 

GSMNP officials said they normally let wildlife navigate their environment without interfering, but the situation called for them to help. A team of law enforcement, wildlife biologists, preventive search and rescue rangers and maintenance crews stepped into action. 

Law enforcement managed traffic, biologists tranquilized the bear and rangers rappelled down the cliff to guide the bear into a backhoe bucket.        

GSMNP staff said the bear was rescued without injury.

“We’re proud of the creative, compassionate rangers that made this possible,” GSMNP said in a post on social media.