A shocking exposé has emerged regarding the alleged mistreatment of black bears at the Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The roadside attraction, which draws tourists yearning for a glimpse of wildlife, has been reportedly described in vivid detail as a veritable hell for its captive residents. This facility has allegedly confined two young black bears to a stark concrete enclosure, effectively rendering them prisoners for the amusement of paying customers.
PETA’s recent designation of Three Bears General Store as the 2024 “Grinch of the Year” underscores the organization’s fervent condemnation of the establishment’s practices. According to reports, the bears are subjected to relentless public scrutiny, while having no means of escape from the incessant noise and disturbance caused by visitors. In stark contrast to their natural habitat, which includes climbing trees and foraging for a diverse range of foods, these bears are apparently reduced to pacing aimlessly within an environment devoid of adequate stimulation or comfort.
The allegedly distressing conditions at Three Bears General Store have been compounded by numerous citations for unsanitary living conditions. Past violations reportedly include inadequate space, lack of clean water, and failure to separate bears that displayed aggressive behaviors. Witness accounts suggest that the bears, under constant human observation, remain trapped in a barren setting that consists solely of concrete structures and minimal enrichment—disregarding their innate needs as intelligent and curious creatures.
Visitors to Three Bears General Store can reportedly throw dog biscuits into the pit where the bears reside, even when food may be contaminated by feces or dirty water. This practice raises ethical concerns about the treatment of animals in such environments. Bears that would typically forage for berries, fruits, and insects are instead left to apparently beg for scraps, indicating a disheartening departure from their natural behaviors.
Adding to the plight of bears in the area, PETA has drawn attention to similar allegations against other roadside zoos, including the Cherokee Bear Zoo in North Carolina, which has drawn criticism for reportedly confining bears in inadequate facilities. Experts have described the conditions there as “disgusting,” suggesting that the bears endure a kind of confinement that constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment.” Animal rights advocates allege that cubs at this facility are exploited for photo opportunities, leading to potential long-term psychological harm.
Meanwhile, the Spring River Zoo in Roswell, New Mexico, has also been criticized for its alleged neglect, including multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Reports from PETA highlight that several animals have reportedly died due to unsafe living conditions, showcasing a disturbing trend in roadside attractions across the country. Allegations of broken enclosures and systemic neglect paint a harrowing picture of the suffering endured by these animals.
Current conditions at the Three Bears General Store deny the bears the essential behavior of hibernation, a natural cycle crucial for their health and well-being. Instead, the bears appear to be subjected to year-round exploitation, raising significant ethical questions about the nature of roadside zoos.
PETA’s calls for action urge the public to shun such facilities, reinforcing the message that animals should not be deprived of their basic needs for commercial gain. As reports continue to emerge about the alleged neglect and mistreatment of bears and other wildlife at roadside attractions, advocates insist that it is imperative for the public to confront such establishments and demand reform.
With increasing scrutiny on the operations of roadside zoos, the plight of these bears serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved welfare standards and ethical treatment of wildlife across the United States.
Photo credit: Joel Kramer