WATCH: Bear scavenges for food in Tennessee wine shop
A bear caused quite a stir recently when it was caught on camera scavenging for food inside a wine shop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The video, which has since gone viral, shows the bear rummaging through the shelves and coolers of the shop, looking for something to eat.
The bear’s visit to the wine shop was captured on surveillance cameras, and the footage shows the curious animal exploring the shop’s aisles and sniffing around for food. At one point, the bear even manages to open a cooler and grab a bag of potato chips before making a hasty exit.
While the shop’s owner, Brenda Ogle, was understandably shocked to see a bear inside her store, she also expressed concern for the animal’s well-being. “We don’t want to see any harm come to the bear,” Ogle said. “We just want it to go back to the woods where it belongs.”
It’s not uncommon for bears to wander into human-populated areas in search of food, especially as their natural habitats continue to shrink due to urban development. In Gatlinburg, sightings of bears are not unusual, but it’s rare for them to venture inside buildings.
In this case, the bear likely caught wind of the shop’s enticing smells and decided to investigate. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the bear’s visit, and the shop has since taken precautions to prevent any future visits from wildlife.
While the video of the bear in the wine shop may be amusing to some, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of coexisting with wildlife in a responsible manner. As development continues to encroach on natural habitats, it’s crucial for humans to take steps to protect and respect the animals that share our world.
In the meantime, the bear’s escapade in the wine shop will surely be a story to remember for both locals and visitors alike. And who knows, maybe the bear discovered a new favorite snack in those potato chips!