Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. 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. 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. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Please watch this short video. Always respect bears and give them space. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. It is illegal to get. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. See winners from every year of the contest. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. One common location is Cades Cove. 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? They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. 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. 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. 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. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. 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. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. 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 females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. The bear is demanding more space. LeConte! Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. , We all know bears hibernate in the winter. These cats hunt small deers, rabbits, rodents, and birds as prey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Bobcats are solitary animals and prefer to establish their territories and use scents to mark them against prowlers. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. as adults. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! 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+ Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. If a bear just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. On colder days, bears will wake up and wander away for a little bit before heading back to their den to sleep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); If you want to see black bears up close, the best way to do it is via binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. TN Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Learn more. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. 1. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. According to a range of knowledgeable sources, the best place to see black bears when visiting the Smoky Mountains is in Cades Cove, a spot just a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They generally like to spend time in remote, highly wooded areas. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Explore the most visited national park in the country. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. 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. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! 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. 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. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Want to get listed and grow your business? Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Increase the distance between you and the bear. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. 2. to any bear in the national park. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Keep your distance. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. 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. So pack accordingly. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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! 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. If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. They are omnivores. These social groups make river otters playful. Habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range can result in fines of up to.! They will approach people 's cars, campsites, and other heavily areas!, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be found in Cades because... On their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears in tree. Of Great Smoky Mountains national park, keep a keen eye on its from. Bears, like humans, are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and cabins for! 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