Black bear bites picture-snapping hiker in Smokies

USA Today ^ | 5/14/10 | AP-Unknown

[Dallas59]

These people have no sense. These are wild animals...not some Disney land movie character. Up in Yellowstone I saw people running towards Elk and Bison Wolves just to get a snap.

[Lockbar]

[gundog]

I think it’s too late. But seriously, you can walk up to a sixty pound bear and grab it if that’s your idea of a good time. They aren’t afraid of much...except maybe adult male bears.

[null and void]

Kinky...

[6SJ7]

I was once woken up by a black bear licking my toes, but its generally not a good idea to let them get that close.

That's what I'd call an extreme wake-up call!

[jdub]

I was in Cades Cove and watched a man chasing bear CUBS to get that great photo.

i've seen similar. a bunch of folks practically chasing a bear to get a photo up close.

[null and void]

Care to comment?

[HangnJudge]

From the Comments at the KnoxNews Website...

This article should be posted all over the Smokies.
As described...this selfish, ignorant human has killed a black bear
just so he could get a closer picture for his album.
I hope he is fined according to the new bear pursuit law.

Hint to the unusually slow on the uptake.
That isn't Yogi, Andy Panda, Mama or Papa,
nor is it the cuddly little thingy you sleep with.
Two words describe it. WILD ANIMAL.
Need help with the interpretation?

[camerongood210]

Fact. Black bears are the best bears.

[VideoDoctor]

An A$$HOLE tourist costs the life on one YOUNG bear.

[wiggen]

That’s not a bear bite. its a playful nip.

[Marty62]

Notice to Bears. Stay away from idiots with cameras.

He probably kicked at the Bear.

[Norseman]

If the 60-pound weight is correct, this was a bear CUB, less than a year old. It would have been smaller than an average large breed of dog. Play with a puppy....get bit....it happens. Kill the puppy? I sure hope not.

[skimbell]

Which BEAR is BEST?
Black Bear.
Fact: BEARS eat BEETS.
BEARS.
BEETS.
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.

[BuffaloJack]

Sixty pounds! It’s still a cub.

[Walkingfeather]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T4SaNuxZO8

[kanawa]

A telephoto lens is a wonderful thing.

[null and void]

Indeed.

[Hardraade]

As a matter of park policy, bears that have contact or injure people are euthanized.

So this idiot liberal assaulted the bear with his picturegrabbing stupidity. Can we hope he's euthanized?

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Did the fool say just before the bite: “I love you bear!”