Portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed off after bear found scavenging on human remains

Rangers were forced to kill a bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after hikers spotted the animal scavenging on human remains.

The park visitors made the discovery early Friday evening and informed the officers who arrived at the campsite located near the Hazel Creek Trail where the body of Patrick Madura, 43, of Elgin, Illinois was found.

Madura’s cause of death has not been determined and that portion of the park has been closed off as the investigation continues.

(PHOTO: National Park Service / GSMNP)