In this episode of The Strange South, Marleah, Patrice, and Courtney discuss their favorite frozen drinks, summer plans, and a plethora of bear encounters in Southern Appalachia, specifically around Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Highlighting the dangers of human-bear interactions, they share stories of recent bear attacks, including a harrowing account of a hiker's close call with a black bear on the Appalachian Trail. The hosts emphasize the importance of proper food storage and safety measures when hiking or camping in bear territory. Additionally, they touch on personal anecdotes, the challenges of wildlife coexisting with human activities, and the community's reaction to these frequent bear sightings.