Bear Breaks Into Gatlinburg Candy Store for Fourth Time, Wildlife Officials Investigate

Wildlife officials in Tennessee are investigating what could be described as a serial burglary after a bear broke into a Gatlinburg candy store for the fourth time.

Glades Homemade Candies said in a social media post that a bear broke into the shop Thursday night, ransacking the store and causing significant damage to both the building and its products. The owners said the latest break-in marks the fourth time a bear has entered the business.

“We have nurtured our arts and crafts business in this community for 35 years, spreading joy and love to our customers, blessed by divine providence, but this persistent bear is a challenge we urgently need to overcome,” the owners wrote.

The store’s owners contacted the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which confirmed an investigation into the repeated incidents is underway.

Despite the ongoing damage, the owners said they hope the situation can be resolved without harming the animal. They expressed a desire for the bear to be safely relocated rather than euthanized.

Gatlinburg and surrounding areas are known for frequent bear activity, and wildlife officials routinely urge residents and businesses to secure food sources to reduce encounters.