Black Bear Locks Itself in Gatlinburg Hotel Bathroom, Officers Free It

A black bear locked itself inside a bathroom at a Gatlinburg motel, prompting a police response early Friday.

Officers with the Gatlinburg Police Department arrived at the Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Gatlinburg at about 2:33 a.m. after an employee reported the animal inside, according to a police report. Officer Quayvaughn McCollum noted that the employee observed the bear enter an exterior bathroom and lock itself in.

Video footage shows the officers cautiously opening the door. The bear emerged, strolled down the sidewalk and left the area. Officers banged sticks together and shouted to keep it moving, while bystanders moved aside. The bear showed no interest in the people.

No one was hurt. Officers found a broken mirror on the floor, which the bear had caused. They estimated the damage at $50.

Black bears often roam through Gatlinburg neighborhoods, parking lots and hotels this time of year in East Tennessee. A bear trapping itself in a hotel bathroom stood out as unusual.