Mama bear charges Cades Cove visitor who repeatedly approaches her and her cubs

(Video courtesy of Paige Marple)
A mama black bear charged at a man who repeatedly approached her and her cubs at Cades Cove on Saturday afternoon, viral video footage shows.

The man emerged unharmed but is being excoriated online for coming within feet of the bear family at the popular tourist destination in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's an example of what officials say you shouldn't do when you see the animals in the Smokies.

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[tobiasj]

I've never wanted a bear to attack someone so bad in my life.

[ashleyhockenberry]

Here is the sad reality. If the mother bear actually attacked the guy, it would most likely be put down.
All because this person wants to show off.

[NagyMagyar]

Mother bear is much wiser than that man.

[marcusaurelius]

the guy is a real piece of work totally treating the bears like He was talking to a pet dog what a strange man.

[Julia-vbrk]

He needs to be given a citation. That mother bear showed extreme patience.

[magnustorque]

He has no idea how lucky he was. What kind of a rock has he been living under not to know that you never approach a bear cub with mom nearby.

[mikeb]

How this person has lived to be an adult is beyond me.

[dondoit]

I swear, that mama bear acted lot more mature and smarter than those people.

[stevecobain]

Judging by the gray hair. It's a miracle he lived this long with that type of intelligence. Nope, the glasses didn't help either.

[PlanetBlake]

There are some people in this world, who will do just exactly what you tell/instruct them NOT to do. This man is one of them. Should get a lifetime ban from parks.

[Glassgothgirl]

I am astounded by this mother bear's patience, which they are not known to have.

[AC-_da_Rap_Arsonist]

Even the bear knew a joke when she sees even worth a mauling

[Axeminister]

As a local, and to all locals reading, we have a duty to call this stuff out. These animals and the park itself is part of our heritage and a gift we share with the rest of the world. Don't come into our country, our state, our community, our park, and start chasing defenseless baby animals around. They have more legal right to that land than you I promise.

[in_haunt]

As someone who used to live within an hour from Cades Cove, I can tell you this is common.

[Wanderersea]

Why would you approach a Mama Bear and her cubs? That is the dumbest decision ever.

[montieluckett]

"But they look just like the one my mom put with my pillows after she made my bed." Damn, Darwin missed another one.

[SafariSis]

What a shame that this man put himself, other people, and that mama bear and her cubs in jeopardy! Shameful!

[johnspence]

The saddest part is she hurt him, they would put down the mother and probably all the cubs. Idiots like this need to be fined.

[dannyroberts]

When I see people do stuff like this I actualy think selective breeding may be a good idea.

[tinkapoo]

He is breaking federal laws, if he is within the National Forest. I hope he has been identified and charged!