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From Great Smoky Mountains Association
December 2008

Wild Bears and Tame Bears
  • Ferguson Bears
  • Bears Will Be Bears
  • Hike Via Video
  • Special Offer From Jim Gray Gallery
  • Elk Population Has Doubled!
  • Our Business Members

  • Bears Will Be Bears
    dumpster bear 2

    Rangers observed some unusual and undesirable bear behavior in the park this year.

    Bears were not only trying to break into the "bear-proof" dumpsters -- but they were succeeding!

    You can imagine how heavy these dumpsters are. Look how strong a bear is!

    Because of their undesirable knowledge, five bears had to be live-trapped and relocated away from the dumpsters.

    An unusual number of bears were also tearing into tents in the park's backcountry this year. Fortunately, the damaged tents were vacant of both people and food.

    A dozen campsites and shelters had to be closed for several weeks at a time during the summer and fall.

    Biologists could not explain the unusual bear behavior since there appeared to be plenty of natural food available during most of the year.

    What's your theory?


    Hike Via Video

    Our video blog is growing by leaps and bounds.

    Click here to check out the video of a hike to the top of the Chimneys (with a stop for pizza along the way).

    Click here to hike Road Prong Trail.

    Click here to straddle the state line at Newfound Gap.


    Special Offer From Jim Gray Gallery

    Jim Gray Gallery is making an extra-special offer to GSMA members.

    Visit the gallery online and save 15%, plus 35% of your purchase price will be donated to GSMA to provide a steady source of income to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

    Click here or on the photo below to visit www.JimGrayGallery.com

    Type GSMA into the charity code box at the top left corner of the gallery home page to receive your discount and provide extra funding to the park.

    Free shipping until December 22.


    Elk Population Has Doubled!

    The population of elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has nearly doubled from the 52 animals originally released in 2001-2002 to an estimated 95 at the end of 2008.

    This is due to the fact that the mothers and the rangers have learned how to protect the newborn calves during their most vulnerable early days by removing bears in the immediate area of calving.


    Our Business Members

    For Christmas or other holiday giving, support businesses that support Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

    Click on the links below to learn more about these Business Members and the discounts they offer to GSMA members in good standing.

    Smoky Mountain Farms Jelly House

    Citizens National Bank

    Accommodations @Cobbly Nob 10% off accommodations (holidays and special events excluded)

    Greenbrier Valley Resorts & Real Estate Sunday-Thursday, stay two nights get and get 1/2 off the third (holidays excluded)

    Crown Park Resort 15% off lodging

    Jackson Mountain Homes


    Ferguson Bears

    These bears are guaranteed to behave -- no turning over trash cans in your house or yard.

    They are from an extremely limited edition of Douglas Ferguson bears, made exclusively for GSMA in celebration of the park's 75th anniversary.

    Old molds from the famous Pigeon Forge Pottery, closed after Mr. Ferguson's death, were located and used for a very limited run.

    With their exquisite glazes and simple classic designs, these are truly collector's items.

    To learn more about the Ferguson bears, click here.

    In case you're worried about these bears getting unruly like their cousins in the park, they are approximately 2" x 4" at the base and 3"-6" tall (depending on the pose).

    These bears are available in extremely limited quantities, so you might want to call before ordering: (865) 436-7318 ext 350 or toll-free (888) 898-9102 ext 350.

    Or you can email the Warehouse and E-Store Manager, Rodney, at Warehouse@ GSMAssoc.org to see what he has left in stock.

    To see more Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Handcrafts:

    Click Here!



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