Holiday magic can take so many different forms, from a visit with Santa to a special gift, but some lucky parade spectators in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, got the surprise of a lifetime when a confused black bear wandered into the middle of the town’s annual holiday parade. The bear was seen walking down the middle of the road until it found an exit, giving dozens of unsuspecting people a shock in the process.
Fortunately, no people or animals were harmed during this freak incident, though it has quickly gone viral since it happened on the night of December 5. Many viewers are impressed by the crowd’s calm response, while others feel for the docile but clearly confused wild bear.
Not many people can say they’ve been that close to a wild bear! There’s no question that these parade spectators went home with a memory they’ll never forget, but I have a feeling that the bear was equally as shocked by the incident. Anyone could see that it was looking for an exit!
Although some viewers expressed shock, or even made jokes, about the paradegoers’ relaxed reactions, other commenters like @tortuga7755 know how important it is to stay calm around a bear. She agreed, “If you [act calm and] don’t surprise the bear, this is how the interaction goes.”
That can be easier said than done, particularly for people who haven’t seen a bear in person before, but folks from mountain towns like Gatlinburg couldn’t be more prepared. Bears make headlines in their city regularly!
Bears in Tennessee
“The bears are sick of us people taking over their spaces,” commenter @sean.lopez89. “They want to join the party, too.” I like the way you think!
Despite the wholesome joke, however, this commenter is correct. Humans have taken over a lot of black bears’ habitat, especially in the Smoky Mountains, which is why it’s so common to see them in town. Most bear interactions end calmly, just like this one did, but it’s always important to be cautious and mindful when out and about.
As these Tennesseans have learned, you never know who you might see outside!
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Dec 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.