NC/TN – Bear Activity – Clyde Smith Shelter
nc
|tn
|bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|Alert
05/10/2024
The ATC received a bear report for Clyde Smith Shelter (NOBO mile 370.8) along the North Carolina – Tennessee border. Hikers reported a bear sniffing tents. The bear did not access hiker food and ran away when the hikers made noise, but the bear returned once after being scared away.
Hikers should exercise caution in this areas, properly store all food and scented items at night, keep a clean camp, pack out all trash and food waste, and never leave food unattended – even for a moment such as a quick trip to the privy or to check out a view.
The ATC strongly recommends that all overnight hikers use a bear canister for the duration of their time on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Never sleep with your food or trash.
Learn more about bear canisters and bear safety on the A.T. here.
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