Bear Euthanized After Injuring 3-Year-Old Girl And Her Mother At Smokies Campsite

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials had to euthanize a bear after it tore into a tent at Elkmont Campground on Sunday, slightly injuring a mother and her 3-year-old daughter.  The mother and child sustained superficial scratches to their heads and the father was able to scare the bear from the campsite. Officials said the 350-pound bear exhibited behavior consistent to being food-conditioned and was likely drawn to the garbage, human food smells and dog food at the campsite.  Because the bear posed a heightened threat to humans it had to be put down.  Campers are reminded to keep their sites free of garbage and store food properly.