We were hiking in Smoky Mountains National Park Oct 19, 2006 when we came upon a group of about 10 people, with kids, all looking uphill.
When we came up, one of them pointed out the object of their attention. About 175 yards uphill from us (very steep hillside) was a full grown black bear, looked to be around 400 pounds.
The Darwin nominees for this story are the middle-aged couple who had already climbed up the hill to within 20 feet of the bear, and was annoying said bear.
Their intention was to drive the bear down the hill to the group of people on the trail so they could all get a good look. . . .
We quickly decided we were standing in the shallow end of the gene pool here, and quickly left. Since I did not hear screaming or growling I must assume these people did not make full Darwin eligibility, but they are certainly worthy of recognition. These people should not be breeding.
Submitted on 10/26/2006
Submitted by: Dennis Meador
Reference: Eye Witness Account
