Do not play dead. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. 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. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. These Photos Prove It. Absolutely not. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. 1-800-371-0341 . Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. 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. 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. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. 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. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. 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. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. NPS photo. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. 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. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! 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 approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See 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. 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. So dont feed the bears. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 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. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. You can learn more about hibernation here. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Feeding bears is illegal in the Smoky Mountains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Also Read: How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 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. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. , Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Good luck and be safe! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Here is how you should act when visiting the park. If you want to see Salamanders up close in the Smokies, visit the creek side hikes, or walk along damp forest tracks in the Park: use good binoculars to zoom in on these slippery creatures in perfect view. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. 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. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. 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. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These Appalachian Mountains not only offer us a view of the picturesque beauty of nature but also let us experience its thrill by capturing the animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. 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. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but its important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. These social groups make river otters playful. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. Learn more. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. 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. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. Big Sky Lodge #438. The bear will probably do the same. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. 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 a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. 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. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. 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. Always respect bears and give them space. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. See winners from every year of the contest. 2. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. 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+ 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! If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 250 pounds. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. 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. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 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. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. 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. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. 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. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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! Furthermore, bears also snuggle up in dens during the winter that they make in tree trunks and hollow stumps or in shallow caves below boulders to avoid any disturbances by hikers. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. 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. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 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 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. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. 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. 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! These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Bear management is really people management. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. 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! This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Keep your distance. 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 . But only when provoked. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. 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. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. 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}. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. 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