The newest attractions opening this year. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! to any bear in the national park. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while adult females are generally smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! 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. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. You may be thinking then why is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies? This team was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings. LeConte! Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. 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. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. 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. Learn more. 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. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. 2. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Here is everything you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountain, what they look like and how to keep safe should you ever encounter one in the wild.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The most commonly found bear in the Smoky Mountains is the black bear. 2. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Thank you for visiting! Absolutely not! In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. They also tend to sleep for lengthy periods, although not hibernating in the true sense, as they may come out of their dens on warmer days. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. In 2006, biologists estimated that the bear population in the national park was around 1,500, which means there is an average of two bears every square mile. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. NPS photo. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains, Bears in Smoky Mountains: The Kind, Places to See & Tips, 10 Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains 2023, 7 Best Horseback Riding in Smoky Mountains (2023 Update), Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? 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. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Sign up for Outside+ today. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . 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. During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. Do not approach the bear. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. But only when provoked. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. you are too close. The red-cheeked salamander is lungless and breathes through their skins, and visitors are advised not to touch or try to pet one if they spot it. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . 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}. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. 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. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. 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? Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Please use them to dispose of garbage. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. If youre visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, dont be afraid of these wild cats because they are harmless, but do not like to be intimidated, so dont get too close. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Before the center opened, news crews . You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. Keep your distance. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. Check out these 5 facts you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. LeConte! If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. 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. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. So pack accordingly. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. The parks omnivorous black bears eat about 85% fruits and nuts, with meat providing the remaining 15%, which makes berry patches an extremely important resource as they prepare for hibernation. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. They strike to bite! After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. These social groups make river otters playful. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. 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. 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 seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Other Threats to Bears Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. 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. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. 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. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. 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. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Do not play dead. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. The parks omnivorous black bears eat about 85% fruits and nuts, with meat providing the remaining 15%, which makes berry patches an extremely important resource as they prepare for hibernation. Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. 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. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. They are omnivores. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. They are omnivores. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. See the picture below. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. 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. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. One common location is Cades Cove. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? 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. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . 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