Park Service denies reports that an aggressive black bear was shot near Cades Cove

Although 3 separate hikers claimed that they were told by a ranger that an aggressive black bear was shot and killed near Great Smoky Mountains national park backcountry campsite 10, officials from the national park service deny the hikers accounts.

According to the park service they are still looking for a bear that caused damage to the Mt. Collins shelter but as of yet have been unsuccessful in their quest to find the problem black bear.

Backcountry campsite 10 is on the Russell Field Trail has been closed for extended time due to aggressive bear behavior. The Russell Field Trails major trailhead Anthony Creek Trail starts less than 1-1/2 miles downhill in the back end of the Cades Cove Picnic Area near the Cades Cove Campgrounds.

Roads open in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The park service opened some major roads in the Great Smoky Mountains national park now that the ice and snow are at manageable conditions.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441) connecting Cherokee NC and Gatlinburg TN has just opened but there is fog and ice still on the road so drivers should be cautious.

Also just opened is Little River Road which also is socked in with fog.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reopens

Minutes ago the National Park Service reopened the main road Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between North Carolina to Tennessee.

Thanks to park service crews sanding icy spots on the road and plenty of sunshine, despite the bitter cold Newfound Gap Road (US 441) is open but is likely to be closed late in the afternoon or early this evening as wet areas on the road will refreeze.