Gatlinburg asks people to use fake produce in fall decorations to avoid attracting bears

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) - As the fall season approaches, the City of Gatlinburg is asking people to avoid using real produce as decorations, saying it can attract bears into the area. Instead, the city recommended using fake produce.

It’s common for people to use things like pumpkins, gourds, squash and corn as decorations during the fall season, but the city said those items can attract black bears and increase the odds of human-bear interactions.

“While Gatlinburg is known for stunning autumn displays, which tandem with the area’s natural beauty and fall foliage, the use of real produce creates an additional attractant and possible food source for black bears,” city representatives said.

Those city representatives added that the city itself hasn’t used real produce in decorations for