Black bear found dead on Tennessee highway next to pancakes

A driver fatally struck a bear as it attempted to eat pancakes on the side of a state highway bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, wildlife officials in East Tennessee reported this week.

The black bear's death took place on the roadway near the city of Townsend, a city in Blount County about 30 miles southeast of Knoxville.

According to the Appalachian Bear Rescue, pancakes were found on the ground near the bear's body after someone struck and hit the animal with a vehicle.

The nonprofit agency said it received a report of a bear hit on Highway 321, a curvy highway which runs from the city of Maryville east to Dollywood then north to Johnson City.

Arriving wildlife officials reported its crews found the adult bear left in a spot too dangerous for curators to safely reach it.

According to the agency, the stretch of road was too steep and curvy for drivers to see, and so Townsend's police chief helped crews reach the bear.

"With the help of red and blue police lights, curators were able to identify that this bear was male and further, what had enticed him to get so close to a dangerous, busy roadway in the first place − human food," the rescue wrote.

'Death by human carelessness'

Photos posted by the agency on Facebook in an effort to draw attention to the case drew both sadness and warnings.

"So very sad. Such a terrible waste all because of negligence," one user posted in the comment section.

"So sorry," another user posted. "Please, do NOT throw food out on the road.... . Male bear just following his tummy...death by human carelessness. Drive slow in bear country."

Warning: The following image may be disturbing to some viewers. 

The agency said the death serves a reminder for people not to throw leftover food away while in forested areas.

"We know it’s difficult to see pictures like the ones we shared in our post earlier today, but sometimes pictures can tell a better story, especially for those without a voice," the agency wrote. "We are so grateful to have a community of friends and supporters like you that are willing to look and listen, even when it’s hard. Thank you for being here."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.