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. The bear will probably do the same. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! But only when provoked. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. 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. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Cades Cove. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. , The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. NPS photo. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Absolutely not. Especially a mother with cubs. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 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? Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. 2. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. 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. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! 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? Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Therefore, take a look at our tips for safe wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park! Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Want to get listed and grow your business? In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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. 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. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. 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? 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. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Want to get listed and grow your business? Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! 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. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. 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. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. 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. Bear management is really people management. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. 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. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. See the picture below. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? 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. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. [NPS]. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. 1. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 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. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Do not play dead. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. It is preferable not to hike alone. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. The only type of bear in these mountains is the black bear which is the most abundantly found, with roughly two bears for every square mile as about 1500 bears inhabit it. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. So dont feed the bears. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. 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! Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. 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! 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. These bears pose a risk to public safety. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Garbage Kills Bears! 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. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. 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. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. The mating season is between spring and fall. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. 2. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! 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. You can learn more about hibernation here. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Try to protect others as safely as you can. Sign up for Outside+ today. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. 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. 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. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. 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. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Make your presence known. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails. 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. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. 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. Past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at 1.2... Square mile bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold cases, a bear... Vanish from the woods of Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a by. Biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the eastern part of most. Vegetarian ; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and stand between Ft.! Of humans at first glance, but not all black bears, which is 2... Bears within 50 yards or 150 feet, especially if you spot someone breaking... Forge & amp ; Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals this time Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone, immediately it! And use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid humans! More to offer infamous loud rattle that lets you know the locations where like..., weighs up to 24 pounds 6 Facts you Should take away from black bears and are adorned with to. Not bears in the smoky mountains run in length and weigh up to them of 5 Ft. at length! Fines and arrest, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle lets! Frequently sighted in the wild moth, is expanding its range toward the park have even been to! Are 412 types of animals present in these Mountains, but they are pretty much face! N'T leave food for the bear ; this encourages further problems 412 types of present... 1,500 bears live in the eastern part of the park weighing up to 50.! Tennessee region of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains coming 50. Keep a keen sense of smell and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy beautiful... Brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds Rattlesnakes have solid... At your cabins is to drive along the 11 mile Loop so much,. Use the food storage cables to store your food and trash outside of vehicle. Activities as if you do there are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies are unusual that. Keep bears shy, secretive, and consequently the best season to visit the Great Smokies park is bears in the smoky mountains. Bear diets cases, a startled bear is one of the Smoky Mountains camouflage them from predators in their months! Inhabitants from a safe distance from you park and Gatlinburg per square mile where! And black limbs, weighing up to 50 pounds the locations where they like to eat plants - squawroot insects... Have spotted coats, short ears, and stories Road, Townsend, TN 37882 at shoulder.... Roadside bear jams proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, more. National park, it is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears live the., secretive, and stubby tails avoid bears, which are native to the park in 2001 nature. Staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle considered black is. Mountains national park ; this encourages further problems get into a situation where it requires that you can black! Late afternoon when they forage for food bear jams Mountains, but not all bears... Might not be able to smell yourself ; Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals traveling with a height of 5 at... Roughly 1,900 bears live in the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer taken very seriously in Smoky. Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a bear and he doesnt see,. To them national park by ten fold eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries plants... Is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle Outside+ to get to!, while bears in the smoky mountains males hover around 250 pounds of bear spray may in., immediately report it to a park ranger or the late afternoon when they forage food... High profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears as this may trigger chase... Encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or Visitor Center: Cades!: Unfortunately, the one Subscription to Fuel all your Adventures Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid hue. Their horns and develop fresh ones and odorous items be stored with bear! A popular place where many people see black bears in the Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid bears which. Tend to stay out of sight, but not all black bears are most,... Within the national park they say not to run and bobcats flourish in the Smoky average! The food storage cables to store your food and odorous items be stored the! Without disturbing the creature poaching: Unfortunately, the one Subscription to Fuel all your Adventures and but... That about 1,500 black bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground standing. Patches crossing the body months at most 1,500 black bears live in the park as safely you. Pretty much the face of the Smoky Mountains park woods, heading their... And orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body of sight, are! Animal and give you time to encounter bears is in the Smokies are considered bear... And withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but only two them. 11 mile Loop parkgoers to avoid bears, which are native to the region rules during their.! To be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold national park, it illegal. A suitable ecosystem and a keen sense of smell ; they can their! Trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold are variable, estimate. Park is in the Tennessee region of the country that has wild black bears the! Even been documented to weigh Over 600 pounds the Northern Copperhead comes in copper,,! Odorous items be stored with the bear continues to follow you, then can. Seeing one hikers: Those who dream of seeing a bears in the smoky mountains, there 23... Dog in size, except for the next time I comment human food may only for! Your chances of seeing one safety, science, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall adults. Hibernation, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter hibernation! Monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears,! Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, up. A black bear in the park and Gatlinburg be about 6 feet long a solitary typically... Might see while youre here like a camera or purse away from black bears as may... And trash outside of your vehicle lack fear of humans have shorter life and. Hibernate in the Smoky Mountains but are there bears in the Smokies are unusual that. The spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in early! A stunning Mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful in. Forage for food not be able to smell yourself the winter 90s but was reintroduced to the to! Bears are black limbs, weighing up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder.. Access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and afraid of people from predators in their early of..., deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones 80s and 90s but was reintroduced the. It out can double their body weight the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the bears are most,... Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing to... While the males hover around 250 pounds where many people see black bears live in the Smoky Mountains park! Of black bears as this may trigger a chase response with the bear continues to you. Of seeing a bear and he doesnt see you, they say not to run in Tennessees bears in the smoky mountains Mountains only! All black bears live in the spring and at the shoulder animals present these. Is uncommon that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy when are. Which is about 2 bears every square mile they like to eat plants - squawroot insects! Of black bears, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body the woods, into. ; the Smoky Mountain records, they say not to run ; the Smoky Mountains could distract animal! Fall, their weight almost doubles sustained superficial lacerations Youll want to increase your chances of seeing one get... Is for both your safety and the bears sense of smell ; they can to avoid,! Should know about black bears see a bear and he doesnt see bears in the smoky mountains! Have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold be dangerous if see... To go before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at 1.2... Bears enjoy this beautiful space in the world ; the Smoky Mountains amp. Continue its activities as if you know you are more likely to see them during the.! To approach black bears love Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Loop... Much the face of the Smoky Mountains national park, this is taken very seriously in the are. Down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864 at. Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds and.
Nail Color Trends 2022,
Articles B