There will be increased elk and black bear activity this season, officials at Tennessee\u2019s Great Smoky National Park<\/a> cautioned.<\/p>\n Wild animals<\/a> are unpredictable and getting too close can lead to harmful human-wildlife encounters.<\/p>\n Deaths are extremely rare<\/a> but a handful of park goers have been mauled by protective mama bears and gored by bison in the past few years.<\/p>\n \u201cEnjoy wildlife responsibly by remaining at least 25 yards away from elk and 50 yards away from black bears,\u201d the agency cautioned in a statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n Part of the risk to humans is related to the time of year. Black bears are feeding on fall food sources ahead of hibernation, consuming up to 20,000 calories a day to build fat reserves that sustain them through the winter months.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why they can be highly active during the autumn months, moving across the park as corns and other fall foods become abundant. <\/p>\n It\u2019s also the annual elk breeding season, known as the rut. During this period, male elk experience elevated levels of the male hormone testosterone, which can lead to heightened aggression toward any perceived threats, including people, vehicles and pets. <\/p>\n Both elk and black bears are seen at parks across the U.S., including Wyoming, Montana and Idaho\u2019s Yellowstone National Park, Washington state\u2019s Olympic National Park and Wyoming\u2019s Grand Teton National Park.<\/p>\n It\u2019s illegal for park goers to get closer than 25 yard from an elk or 50 yards from a black bear, as well as any distance that causes an animal to change its behavior.<\/p>\n \u201cViolations may result in fines or arrest,\u201d the park noted. Fines can range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. <\/p>\n However, many people get too close to park wildlife each year, whether it\u2019s their intent or not.<\/p>\n In July, a grandfather was hurled eight feet into the air<\/a> by a male bison in Yellowstone, shattering the man\u2019s femur. There have been multiple bear attacks in Glacier National Park<\/a> including one which led to the death of a Florida man.<\/p>\n People who accidentally find themselves too close to an approaching elk or black bear should slowly back away, the park said. <\/p>\n \u201cIf a black bear continues to follow, stand your ground, be loud, throw rocks and continue to back away slowly. If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to safely and calmly maintain the legal distance,\u201d officials advise.<\/p>\n![\"It\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-2608753.jpeg\")
It\u2019s the annual elk breeding season, known as the rut (Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/GettyImages-2277773085.jpeg\")
People should fight back if a black bear is attacking. Otherwise, back away from the animal (Getty Images)<\/p>\n