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. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable, dangerous, and a threat to human safety. to any bear in the national park. 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. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. One of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is at Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains that offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the national park! Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. 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. 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. Willfully approaching 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. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! Stand your ground if persistently followed. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Look no further than Five Little Bears! These social groups make river otters playful. 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. NPS photo. 2. 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Since the national park is 800 sq. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Absolutely not! The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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! A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Gatlinburg (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). 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. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Cades Cove. 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. 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. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Often, they must be euthanized. 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. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Do not approach the bear. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Above all, keep your distance from bears! It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. 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 can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. 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. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Especially a mother with cubs. 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. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. 2. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. 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! Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. LeConte! Big Sky Lodge #438. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Want to get listed and grow your business? Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Before the center opened, news crews . If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! According to a range of knowledgeable sources, the best place to see black bears when visiting the Smoky Mountains is in Cades Cove, a spot just a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They generally like to spend time in remote, highly wooded areas. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. 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! The mating season is between spring and fall. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. They are omnivores. 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. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Here is how you should act when visiting the 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. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Garbage Kills Bears! You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. 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. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. The newest attractions opening this year. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Explore the most visited national park in the country. 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. 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. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. 250 pounds. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. It is illegal to get. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. 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. 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. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. 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. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. 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. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! 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. TN They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. 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. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. But only when provoked. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while adult females are generally smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Keep your distance. Thank you for visiting! The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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. You can learn more about hibernation here. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. 1. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. 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. Source: @carlosfineartphoto When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. 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. 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. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. 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. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. 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. These three trails are a good place to start. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. 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. 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