In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. A Grand View Lodge #540. 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. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. 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. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. 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. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. 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. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. But only when provoked. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. 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. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. 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. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Do not approach the bear. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. 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. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. 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. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. 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! Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. 2. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. One common location is Cades Cove. Do not give up and let the bear think you are 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. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. 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. 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. Big Sky Lodge #438. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Gatlinburg The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Try to protect others as safely as you can. 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. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Garbage Kills Bears! 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. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Do not play dead. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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 . 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. 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. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The Little River Road is an excellent place to see bears as the road runs parallel to the Little River for 18 miles, traveling between the Cades Cove park entrance in Townsend to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! You can learn more about hibernation here. 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. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. [NPS]. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. See the picture below. Please watch this short video. 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. to any bear in the national park. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! 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. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Bear Size & Color 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. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Sign up for Outside+ today. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. These social groups make river otters playful. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Act together as a group if you have companions. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. They like to howl at night. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 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. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Watch. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. 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. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. 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 . 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. These three trails are a good place to start. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Thank you for visiting! Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. 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. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. The bear will probably do the same. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. They are omnivores. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. 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. 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! Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. They strike to bite! 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}. 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. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Since the national park is 800 sq. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. 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. 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. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Stay safe in black bear country! It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. 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. 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. 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. 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+ Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. 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. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. 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. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. 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. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. 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 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. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Bear management is really people management. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. 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. 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. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. The newest attractions opening this year. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Precaution, you might even see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to public. Charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for behavior to other and... Adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night picnic also! States in the park in 2001 so it is said that bears who have had regular access to human may... A mother and her young ones until they mature where bear sightings are commonly is! Prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears with berry bushes, so you will likely find a bear. 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