A tourist visiting Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains got a surprise when she checked the back porch of her cabin.

>> Read more trending news

A black bear decided to take the plunge and enjoy the water in a hot tub Thursday night at the Gatlinburg tourist site, WBIR reported.

Elizabeth Strickland sent photographs to the television station, writing that "I just had to share with y'all. I was in that same seat 14 hours ago!"

The bear wasn't shy either, climbing into the hot tub and frolicking in the water, WBIR reported.

Strickland said there were three cubs that also played before leaving, the television station reported.

As cute as the sight must have been, wildlife officials caution tourists to be wary of the bears.

For information on how to safely coexist with black bears, visit www.tn.gov.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Orange Crush event organizers George Turner and Steven Smalls at the Tybee Pier on March 6, 2025 on Tybee Island, GA.(Justin Taylor/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Justin Taylor for The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks to constituents during a Town Hall his office held on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Atlanta, at Cobb County Civic Center. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Jason Allen)

Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution