Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. 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. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. 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. 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. Often, they must be euthanized. Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Especially a mother with cubs. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. 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. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Do not play dead. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. 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. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. Thank you for visiting! 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. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. If . Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. 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. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. 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. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. 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. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! 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. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. 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. If you are a nature lover looking to get a glimpse of the mighty black bear, the best time would be at the crack of dawn or at dusk, when they are the most active. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. 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. 2. 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. On August 21, 2017 the western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will lie within the path of totalit How well do you know our Smoky Mountain home? Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. 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}. For more information please read our privacy policy. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! 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! You can learn more about hibernation here. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. 2. 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. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. These bears pose a risk to public safety. 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. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Do not approach the bear. The outdoors might seem like a good place to toss your apple core or crust from a sandwich, but doing so in or around the national park is one of the biggest reasons bears are attracted to areas populated by humans. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Looking for a fun way to enjoy your next family vacation, book a Smoky Mountain cabin rental with a game room for a truly unforgettable experience. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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. 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. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Mule Deer Vs. Black-tailed Deer (8 Differences), 10 Examples of Animals Like Hamsters (Pictures), 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Do Bears Have Tails? Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. 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. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 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! Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Good luck and be safe! Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. These three trails are a good place to start. Keep your distance. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! 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. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. 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. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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 . 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. Stand your ground if persistently followed. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 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. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Make your presence known. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. 250 pounds. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. 4. 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. Bear Size & Color 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. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. 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. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. It is illegal to get. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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! Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 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. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. 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. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. 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. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. 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. But only when provoked. 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