x
Breaking News
More () »

Bear goes for swim in Cherokee Lake

Viewer David Miller spotted a bear swimming in Cherokee Lake. He was at the Lakeside Marina in Bean Station and shared this video. He said he thinks the bear swam about half a mile to shore.

When the sun is blaring and you're out on the lake, the only logical thing to do is jump in the water and cool off.

Viewer David Miller spotted a bear swimming in Cherokee Lake. He was at the Lakeside Marina in Bean Station and shared this video. He said he thinks the bear swam about half a mile to shore.

David was keeping his distance, and you should do the same should you encounter any aquatic or land bears. As you can see, they are great swimmers.

The bear cousin of the black bear, the polar bear, are exceptionally strong swimmers, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This is usually helpful for them as they're hunting.

2017: Bear spotted taking a dip in South Holston Lake

It isn't too unlikely this bear is a decent swimmer.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has information about what you can do when you see a black bear.

The TWRA's biggest tip is to alter your route of travel, especially if a bear is in your line of vision.

MORE: TWRA offers safety tips as bear season returns

If you're in a national park, regulations require you to stay 50 yards away from bears at all times, according Great Smoky Mountains National Park Spokesperson Dana Soehn.

To put that in perspective -- 50 yards is 150 feet. The distance from home plate to first base is 90 feet. So, you need to be almost double that distance away from the bears to avoid a citation from the park and to stay safe.

Before You Leave, Check This Out