GATLINBURG, Tenn. – A regular practice session for the Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders high school football team took an unexpected turn when a bear ran onto the field, causing a temporary delay.
The incident occurred as the team was exiting the weight room, and the bear ran down from the home stands onto the field. Brad Waggoner, the head coach, captured the unexpected visit on video and shared it on social media with the comment, “Just another day in the Smokey Mountains.”The bear remained on the field for about 10 minutes before departing, and no injuries were reported. Practice resumed as usual once the bear left the area.