Black bear skin with head found on sign at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Vandalism reported Saturday morning
Vandalism reported Saturday morning
Vandalism reported Saturday morning
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking for help finding the person or people who left a black bear skin with head and a cardboard sign attached to an entrance sign that read “from here to the lake black lives don’t matter.”
The vandalism happened between Friday and Saturday at the Foothills Parkway West entrance sign near the Highway 321 intersection in Walland, Tennessee, park officials said.
They said it was discovered at 7:45 a.m. Saturday by a visitor.
“We encourage anyone with information to reach out to us as we continue to investigate possible motives for this incident,” Chief Ranger Lisa Hendy said. “We take vandalism incidents seriously in the park, and this particular incident is particularly egregious. It is for this reason we are offering a reward for information.”
Investigators say they are looking for additional information from anyone who may have observed activity leading to the vandalism.
Though respondents may remain anonymous, investigators are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible.
You can give tips the following ways:
- Call or text the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009
- Visit www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”
- Send an email to: nps_isb@nps.gov
- Message on Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS