Woman who fed black bear in TikTok video could face jail time

A woman who fed a black bear in Tennessee now finds herself in a grisly situation.

Authorities charged the 21-year-old, who has not been identified, with illegal bear feeding after she shared a TikTok video showing her giving food to the animal during a trip to Gatlinburg, CNN reported.

The video, which was shared to TikTok on Sept. 30, has since been taken down.

The woman, who is from Virginia, now could face up to six months in jail and a fine of $500, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said. She reportedly appeared to give chocolate and watermelon, among other food items, to the bear.

“The overwhelming desire to have a close encounter with a black bear is strangely more powerful than common sense,” said Sgt. David Sexton of Sevier County Wildlife, according to CNN.

“Many people intentionally feed bears with little regard for the dire consequences to the bears and humans they leave behind.”

Gatlinburg does not permit people to feed bears or leave food or trash out that might attract bears in an effort to prevent the animals from venturing into town.