Black bear dead after being lured by pancakes near highway in Tennessee

Arriving wildlife officials reported that their teams found the adult bear in a location too dangerous for curators to safely reach.

According to the department, the stretch of road was too steep and winding for motorists to see, so the Townsend police chief helped crews reach the bear.

“Using the red and blue police lights, the curators were able to determine that this bear was a male, as well as what had attracted him to come so close to a dangerous, busy road in the first place – human food,” wrote the rescue.

“Death due to human carelessness”

Photos the agency posted on Facebook to raise awareness of the case evoked both sadness and warning.