Bears will be the main topic this weekend at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky/NPS

In the late 1700s when Daniel Boone came through the Cumberland Gap and into the land that would eventually become the state of Kentucky, black bears were common and brought the respect of settlers coming through. Today at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park the staff is working to see that today's visitors to this landscape continue to respect the bears.

This coming weekend the park will offer "Back the B.E.A.R.S.," a program designed to educate visitors to black bears and their needs.

Jenny Beeler, the park's resource management specialist, promotes this event as "one stop bear fact shopping" where visitors will have numerous opportunities to connect with black bear experts and learn how "we can all live together, avoid bear-people interactions and enjoy this symbol of the forest."

Ms. Beeler admits that there is much to learn when it comes to bear facts.

"I'm amazed at this highly adaptable and intelligent animal and I'm continually learning more and more about bear behavior," she says. "To help people really appreciate, understand and know what to do when it comes to bears, the park has embarked on this aggressive educational campaign 'BACK THE B.E.A.R.S. '“ Be Educated and Responsible Stewards.' We want park neighbors to also be fiercely proud and protective of bear populations in the area and the unique tourism opportunities that exist due to the black bear presence."

Seven-hundred students from the Tri-State area are already signed up for Friday's program, according to Amy Settles, the park's biological science technician. These 'Be Bear Aware' students will be treated to an amazing array of programs, she says.

"There will be hands-on activities galore for kids. Staff from Appalachian Bear Rescue, an one-of-a-kind black bear rehabilitation facility located just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be on hand to share black bear stories. Park rangers will demonstrate bear hazing, a good spanking for 'bears gone bad,'" said Ms. Settles. "'Bear skulls and skins will showcase this animal's amazing adaptations. Kids will be able to have their photos taken with the family of bear cut-outs. And youngsters will be able to demonstrate their artistic flair as they color small bear magnets to take home with them to place upon their refrigerators."

It's hoped that the magnets "will serve as a great reminder that bear should never be fed," she added.

An expanded schedule on Saturday will include the program, "Bear in the Back Seat '“Adventures of a Wildlife Ranger," by Kim Delozier, author and retired bear expert from Great Smoky Mountains. Delozier will be on hand to sign copies of his exciting and entertaining book. Stunning black bear photography by Faye Sykes and Chris Norcott will be featured.

There also will be presentations by Joe Yarkovich, wildlife biologist for Great Smoky Mountains, and Johnny Wills of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will illuminate how wild bears live 23 percent longer than panhandler bears, those which have become food conditioned and dependent on humans.

The event runs each day from  a.m. to 4 p.m. A large tent will protect all from sun or rain.