Bear Breaks Into Tennessee Candy Store for Fourth Time, Prompting Wildlife Investigation
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — A persistent black bear has once again broken into Glades Homemade Candies, a beloved candy store in Gatlinburg, marking the fourth time the business has been ransacked by the same or another bear. The latest break-in occurred Thursday night, causing significant damage to the store and its confections. The owners of the 35-year-old establishment expressed both frustration and concern over the repeated intrusions, emphasizing their desire to protect the animal while safeguarding their livelihood.
“We have nurtured our arts and crafts business in this community for 35 years, spreading joy and love to our customers, blessed by divine providence, but this persistent bear is a challenge we urgently need to overcome,” the store owners wrote on social media. The incident has drawn the attention of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), which confirmed it has opened an investigation into the serial break-ins.
According to the TWRA, such repeated bear intrusions into commercial establishments are rare but not unheard of, especially in areas like Gatlinburg that border natural bear habitats. Bears are opportunistic feeders, and the scent of sweets and food inside the candy store likely attracts them. The agency is working to identify the individual bear involved and assess the best course of action.
Officials have expressed a commitment to resolving the situation without harming the animal. Relocation efforts are being considered, consistent with the TWRA’s bear management policies. The agency encourages residents and business owners to secure trash and food sources to minimize human-bear conflicts.
Gatlinburg, nestled near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is home to a robust black bear population. The National Park Service notes that while bear encounters are common in the area, most bears avoid human contact unless food is readily accessible. The park’s bear safety guidelines emphasize the importance of not feeding bears and properly storing food to prevent habituation.
Local businesses like Glades Homemade Candies play a vital role in the Gatlinburg community, attracting tourists and supporting the local economy. The repeated bear break-ins have raised concerns about the balance between wildlife conservation and human activity in the region. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service underscores the importance of coexistence strategies that protect wildlife while reducing risks to people and property.
As the investigation continues, the candy store owners remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution that will allow them to continue their longstanding tradition of serving the community without further disruptions. In the meantime, wildlife officials urge vigilance and cooperation from residents and visitors to help prevent future incidents.
For more information on living safely with bears, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency offers resources and guidelines on their official website.
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