Reward Offered for “Egregious” Vandalism of Sign Involving Black Bear Skin

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking information to help identify the party responsible for vandalizing the Foothills Parkway West Entrance Sign near the Highway 321 intersection in Walland, Tennessee between September 18, 2020 and September 19, 2020 with a black bear skin.

On Saturday September 19, 2020 at 7:45 a.m., visitors reported seeing a black bear skin with head and a cardboard sign attached to the entrance sign that read “from here to the lake black lives don’t matter.” The investigation is ongoing and no further details are to be released at this time.

“We encourage anyone with information to reach out to us as we continue to investigate possible motives for this incident.” said Chief Ranger Lisa Hendy. “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 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. Respondents are asked to contact investigators through any of the following means:

• CALL or TEXT the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009 – the Tip Line is restricted to investigative tips ONLY and should not be used to offer general comments or opinions. 
• ONLINE at www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”
• EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov
• MESSAGE on Facebook @InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS