GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Gatlinburg leaders spent around $3 million as part of an effort to keep bears and humans from interacting. Much of the money was spent implementing animal-proof dumpsters, aimed at discouraging bears from venturing into town in search of food.
One restaurant said it implemented the recommended dumpsters after having to clean up messes from hears upwards of five times a day. More than 400 dumpsters have been distributed to local businesses as of this week.
"These containers here, there is no lid to pry open. These are strictly lids that open almost like a door mechanism, and those bears have been unsuccessful (opening it)," said Seth Butler, a spokesperson for Gatlinburg. "By the time you add on this maintenance program, the building — we're going to be looking at almost a $4 million investment."
The city aims to build a dumpster maintenance building and hire a person to help maintain the dumpsters. Before the new initiative began, businesses were responsible for maintaining their own dumpsters and for maintaining them.
Now, the city has mostly taken over that responsibility.
"The old dumpsters were providing a source of food for bears," said Butler.
Gatlinburg leaders said the new initiative comes as part of broader efforts to reduce the number of times people and bears have a chance to interact. It also comes after neighbors and tourists reported close calls with bears, raising concerns for everyone's safety.
Gatlinburg leaders are also planning to host an open house in August from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. at the American Legion building, located at 1222 East Parkway. Leaders also said anyone with issues related to unsecured trash should reach out to the Gatlinburg Police Department. It's available at 865-436-5181.