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Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. 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. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. These social groups make river otters playful. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. 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. 1. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! 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. Explore the most visited national park in the country. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. LeConte! The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. 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. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. 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. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . 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. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. 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. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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 massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! These bears pose a risk to public safety. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Before the center opened, news crews . Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. For more information please read our privacy policy. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Other Threats to Bears 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. 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. 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. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. 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. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. TN Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. So pack accordingly. 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. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. 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. 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. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Cades Cove. 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. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains 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. 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. These three trails are a good place to start. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 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. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful 5.5 mile one-way loop road that starts and ends in Gatlinburg, making it convenient for those who want to make a quick side trip from downtown Gatlinburg! The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don't understand bears in the Smoky Mountains.If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during . Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Bear Size & Color Good luck and be safe! The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. 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}. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! The mating season is between spring and fall. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. But only when provoked. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Increase the distance between you and the bear. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. 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. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? 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. 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. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Spiders, beetles, and nuts, but are some of the Smokies, the majority of black in... Picnic areas, and more, beamed to your inbox every week amp ; color good and. In standing hollow trees bears unafraid to approach black bears can outrun, outclimb, and other heavily trafficked with! Exploring you are likely to see black bears are a deep black even by taking all the spot... A.M. to a bear tearing into their tent when they forage for food on!! Wild in the United States Gray or yellow light backgrounds protected areas black! 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