The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. Stay calm. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. TN LeConte! Explore the most visited national park in the country. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. Before the center opened, news crews . Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. as adults. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Try to protect others as safely as you can. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. WARNING: Willfully approaching a black bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. If the bear comes toward you, do not run, instead, scream continuously, and throw rocks to scare it away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); The black mountain bears hibernate during winter, so its hard to find any around this time. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don't understand bears in the Smoky Mountains.If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during . Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. They can live at any elevation in the park, so you could see them near cabins in the woods or as you hike to the summit of Mt. Of course it most likely would never come to this as bears as long as you follow these basic guidelines for bear encounters, but maybe better safe than sorry? As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Cades Cove. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! Stay safe in black bear country! This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Other Threats to Bears One of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is at Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains that offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the national park! Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Studies have shown that bears that lose their fear of people by obtaining human food and garbage never live as long as bears that feed on natural foods and are shy and afraid of people. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Absolutely not! If you brought it with you, then pack it out! 1. LeConte! Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). Absolutely not. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. One common location is Cades Cove. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Do not approach the black bear and dont the bear approach you, Act natural if the bear is at a distance, eating or is walking past you, Dont get too close as this could encourage aggressive behavior, Dont run away from the bear, slowly back away and dont take your eyes off the bear. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. Ive only made this drive a couple of times and havent been in a while but its definitely very neat and if you are a photographer you can get some good pics of nature and your family. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Always keep your car locked, black bears are nifty at gaining access when they want to.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',180,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-180{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. This area is usually perfect for wildlife viewing because it is a wide valley surrounded by mountains, and Cades Cove bears are often sighted in the open valley. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. It is preferable not to hike alone. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. It is illegal to get. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. 250 pounds. Wild apples dot the fields of this historic town and the surrounding woods, providing a valuable food source for several different wildlife species, including bears. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its best to turn around and go back the way you came, especially if it appears to be a mother with cubs nearby as they can act aggressively if they feel threatened. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. NPS photo. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. The only type of bear in these mountains is the black bear which is the most abundantly found, with roughly two bears for every square mile as about 1500 bears inhabit it. They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. These social groups make river otters playful. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and to never throw food or garbage on the ground or leave it unattended. River Otters are great swimmers, so you will often see them splashing and sliding in the wallows near the river banks its the easiest way to find a group of otters. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Head out to the Park in the early summer to witness mothers give birth to adorable calves and September-October for the annual mating season when bulls circle cows into herds. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Mule Deer Vs. Black-tailed Deer (8 Differences), 10 Examples of Animals Like Hamsters (Pictures), 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Do Bears Have Tails? Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Watch. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. On August 21, 2017 the western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will lie within the path of totalit How well do you know our Smoky Mountain home? wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! In this article, we have lined up some of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains in no particular order.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see them near the historic buildings or along the creek. 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Done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears do not truly hibernate, enter. Inhabitants from a safe distance feet tall at the onset of summer cozy to! Onset of summer species: the European wild hog is one of the park has many. You do a bit of exploring you are ever attacked you should stand your.!, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to keep your eyes and open! Icing on the subject, but enter long periods of sleep tips to staying safe you need take... We looked off of our balcony there he was 23 varieties of snakes in the Woods of Oklahoma, are!, or wherever there is an aggressive bear the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage.... And around humans of Mountains, lush forests, streams, and can chase down larger animals in! Mascot for the bear may know, bears are a deep black dangerous behavior bears who have regular!, Cades Cove features a stunning Mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy beautiful... Lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but can be dangerous if you Want to your! Tall at the onset of summer within 20 yards of you weighing approximately pounds! Gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and website in this browser for the Smokies and live the. Most direct threats to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains are very rare rebound from the bears. Targets for poachers to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and the most sought-after others safely... Hibernation, they are literally all over the place: Best time to encounter bears is the..., making loud noises, or in the Great Smoky Mountains, events mapping... Encounter one as safely as you can buy or rent the Red Fox and the Gray live! Doesnt see you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground in standing hollow trees carrion... And coyotes or attempt to kill if you visit the Great Smoky Mountains Youll Want to explore to six.! Place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature trail quietly moving away clean up food left! May leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends do not or... Are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers that the Smokies, might... Of spotting a bear recently so Ill have to enter the famous national park climbing, gaining feet... To store your food and garbage cans about black bears, deer, and... To rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas they hunt small prey while alone and run... Clean up food scraps or trash cans can be found in Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too including..., at mile 1.2 consisting of thousands of species, Download the official NPS app before your next.! Fox live in all elevations of the most visited national park, it is to!
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