A bear that was caught by park rangers fasting on human remains near an empty tent was shot dead at a US national park.

The incident was confirmed by wildlife officials.

Campers in California, USA, raised the alarm after discovering an empty tent.

National Park Services were scrambled to the scene.

Upon investigating, the authorities found a fully-grown black bear eating the remains of an adult male.

The incident happened in the Hazel Creek Trail area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina on Friday evening (September 11, 2020).

The bear was actively scavenging on the remains of the adult male when it was shot dead by the authorities.

The identity of the man was not shared with the public and his death cause is not yet known.

It was reported that the man visited the Hazel Creek Trail area and is from a different state.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park released a statement about the incident, where they said:

Rangers are currently working to notify the next of kin. The cause of death is unknown and the case remains under active investigation.

The trail was closed after the incident.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased, may his soul rest in peace.