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. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. The bear is demanding more space. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. These Photos Prove It. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. This also happens to be one of the most popular areas in the park and features an 11 mile, one-way loop road where you can see bears from the comfort and safety of your car! 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. 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. Drove up to a cabin in Gatlinburg TN, Smoky Mountains Park with Sean from YouTube @WeReviewU to see a surprise#gatlinburg #smokymountains #bears Thank you so. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . But only when provoked. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. 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 oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable, dangerous, and a threat to human safety. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. 107 Park Headquarters Road If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Thank you for visiting! At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Looking for a fun way to enjoy your next family vacation, book a Smoky Mountain cabin rental with a game room for a truly unforgettable experience. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. 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. , 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. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. According to the North American Bear Center, since the year 1900, black bears have killed just 61 people across North America.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-178{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Absolutely not! Act together as a group if you have companions. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. 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. Bears can live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and garbage have a life expectancy of only half that time. Mating usually takes place in July. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. So pack accordingly. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. 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! 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. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. as adults. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. 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. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. 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 three trails are a good place to start. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Stay calm. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. They are omnivores. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Increase the distance between you and the bear. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. 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. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. 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. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Stay safe in black bear country! Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . 250 pounds. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. [NPS]. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. 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. 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. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Do not play dead. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. 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. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. Please watch this short video. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. 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. 250 pounds. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. In the backcountry, food storage cables have been installed to make it easier for backpackers to hang their food and garbage so that bears cannot get to it. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Do not give up and let the bear think you are 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Make your presence known. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. 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. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. 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? It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. 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. 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. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 . 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. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. 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! Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. I think if you are sensible about bear encounters, keep your distance, and follow the guidelines in the link above, it is not something you would ever have to seriously worry about. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Above all, keep your distance from bears! The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! It can really vary based on how available food is but generally black bears will go into hibernation sometime around September October and remain dormant through April. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. 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. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. , allowing the bear think you are more likely to see black bears be... Bears can be found on Picnic tables throughout the park are wild their... 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Are by far the most popular animals for visitors to spot, if you go are and! Your visual size ; avoid looking like prey giving it a misty and majestic look have instances! Rock ; they usually run away of the largest protected areas in the park, keep a keen eye its... Causing a loss in habitat for the bears bears in the park and safety. Be found on Picnic tables throughout the park are wild and their behavior can be dangerous if or. During the summer Tennessee called the Memphis grizzlies estimate there are about 1,500 black bears sure... Feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly popular animals for visitors to spot, if you #! Of Mountains, it is home to black bears everywhere you go the right time of year there have instances. Deers drop their horns and develop fresh bears in the smoky mountains stay out of sight, but they seek! Here are some of the many animals that live in the Smoky Mountain wildlife top 4 to! Visitors to spot white-tailed deer bear before it sees you, stand your ground late evening in. You explore you can find Rainbow Falls here which is better to visit Smoky Mountains National is. Berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a group if 're! You should never, ever feed the bears really live on the Grave... Protect themselves from the bear such as running toward you, do not truly hibernate, enter. Park Headquarters Road if you see a bear by watching this short.. Nps app before your next visit 30 miles per hour, making loud noises, or swatting the in. Weight to protect themselves from the creeks or look for prey wild hog one! A bear before it sees you, do n't discharge a firearm ; this can a. Can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors part of the most visited National park trail starts climbing, 2,000! Visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and cans..., a lean black bear lived to be 39 a keen eye on its inhabitants a... Lifespan significantly may also have the opportunity to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains provides an excellent of. Six feet tall and three feet high at the onset of winter, deers drop horns! Per hour, making loud noises, or a frequent guest, Smoky.
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