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My understanding is that this happened at Benton Falls near Chilhowee campground, about 2 miles from U.S. Hwy 64 and Lake Ocoee.

What a shame no dad was around. Sounds like the mom waded in and did her best though.

We have a lot of black bear up here. The population has really mushroomed over the past decade.

The thing that gets me is all the city dipshits who come up here and wander around with their kids in the forest like they are out in the city park. I had one woman get pissed at me last year because I had my dog, out in the damn forest, not on a leash!  And there her 4 year old is straggling a good 75m behind her. Probably the best thing for them was that my dog and I were out there. The family with 3 kids was spread out over a good 200m on a foot path. That's just asking for it.

Anyhow, I keep telling people there is shit out here that will eat you and you had better be prepared but most are oblivious. AS the bear come out of hibernation they are dangerous. They are hungry and they have cubs to feed. There is not a lot to eat either.

If I was a bear and you threw rocks at me I'd get mad too.

I was standing right where the bear attacked, about 3 weeks ago. I go up there quite often. As we all know, the Nat. Park Service forbids the possession of firearms in all Nat. Parks. No wonder the kid was safe..........................    (sarcasm)

Personally, I carry every time I go anywhere up there.

Quoted: I was standing right where the bear attacked, about 3 weeks ago. I go up there quite often. As we all know, the Nat. Park Service forbids the possession of firearms in all Nat. Parks. No wonder the kid was safe..........................    (sarcasm) Personally, I carry every time I go anywhere up there.

Not advocating breaking the law here BUT, I always carry my "insurance".

+1 on the "insurance"  

Quoted: I was standing right where the bear attacked, about 3 weeks ago. I go up there quite often. As we all know, the Nat. Park Service forbids the possession of firearms in all Nat. Parks. No wonder the kid was safe..........................    (sarcasm) Personally, I carry every time I go anywhere up there.

Yup, me too.  Its a good thing nobody had a gun, someone might have gotten hurt.  

I have considered talking to my state reps and using this incident to advocate allowing CCW in state parks.  I hate to exploit a tragedy, but it might be an effective argument.

I heard that right before I was to go camping except I went down to Tim Fords.. Wife wants to go out that way, but I'm not properly insured yet.  pretty tragic, but like what is mention above, some folks go out there like they are at a city park..

BTW, the no firearms thing at a campground or wooded area like these parks is some what lame, if someone wants to start a petion up to get that change, put my name in for it..

Quoted: if someone wants to start a petion up to get that change, put my name in for it..

They'd just use it for toilet paper.