Rangers close Abrams Falls trail due to bear sightings
The Associated PressOriginally published: June 22. 2009 3:01AM
Last modified: June 21. 2009 10:28PM
CADES COVE -- Bear sightings have forced park rangers to close a popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail for the second time this month.
Park spokeswoman Nancy Gray told The Knoxville News Sentinel that rangers closed the Abrams Falls trail Thursday.
Park officials don't plan to reopen it until the black bear prowling around it can be tracked or caught.
Bear warning signs have been posted at 15 backcountry campsites.
Park officials closed the trail earlier this month to search for the bear, with no success. Gray says the bear sightings resumed last week.
She says the bear hasn't hurt anyone, but rangers want to head off any possible trouble.
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