Bear Wanders Into Gatlinburg Tea Shop During Couple's Anniversary Trip
A couple's anniversary getaway took an unexpected turn when a bear wandered into a Gatlinburg tea shop and began exploring the merchandise before jumping onto the counter. The encounter, recorded on video, unfolded at The Spice & Tea Exchange on a Friday, according to the couple, Victoria Puyol and Joshua Card.
Puyol and Card were visiting Gatlinburg to celebrate their seventh anniversary. Card spotted the bear near the shop's entrance and recalled saying, "There's a bear." Puyol said she initially didn't process what was happening, but when Card and a store clerk repeated themselves, she turned and saw the animal standing in the doorway.
The couple said they remembered guidance to back away from bears, and as they stepped back, the bear moved further into the store. A clerk directed them behind the register, where they had access to an emergency exit.
The bear appeared curious about the shop's inventory, tearing into a sweet-tea blend and investigating tea diffusers while a crowd gathered outside. An employee from a neighboring store sounded an air horn, but the couple said it had little effect on the animal.
Card began recording as the bear approached the counter. In the video, he can be heard saying, "Hey, what you doing there, buddy?" The bear then turned and jumped onto the counter, prompting Card to step backward.
Puyol recalled the moment with a mix of humor and concern: "He's talking to this thing like it's a puppy. It's a bear. It's not a puppy. It's a bear."
Card said he initially thought the animal might have been a "show bear" on a leash with a handler nearby, given the populated area, but he quickly realized it was a wild bear. A military veteran and former lifeguard, Card said his background dealing with emergency situations shaped his reaction. He described feeling uncertain about what the young animal was capable of and whether he should intervene or give it space.
The bear eventually left the shop through another exit before the couple needed to use the emergency route. The encounter lasted roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Puyol, who had hoped to see a bear before the trip, said after the experience, "Be careful what you wish for."
Store employees told the couple that the bear was a repeat visitor, having entered the business earlier in the week. The shop later posted a photo of the bear with a caption about it snagging sugar and coming back for more.
Card said the bear appeared more curious than aggressive throughout the encounter.