- Great Smoky Mountains National Park authorities have issued a warning against feeding bears due to an increase in incidents.
- Feeding wildlife is illegal and can result in fines up to $5,000 or six months in jail, as well as endangering both humans and bears.
- Recent incidents include a visitor being cited for feeding a mother bear and her two cubs, highlighting the ongoing problem.
- Bear activity is currently high due to a scarcity of natural food sources and the peak breeding season, increasing the likelihood of human-bear encounters.
- Visitors are urged to follow safety guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance from bears and properly storing food, to ensure their safety and the bears' well-being.
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