bears in the smoky mountains

If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Big Sky Lodge #438. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. So pack accordingly. 1. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. 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. , Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. 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. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. The newest attractions opening this year. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. 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. 250 pounds. 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. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Do not approach the bear. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. These three trails are a good place to start. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. 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. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Please watch this short video. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Above all, keep your distance from bears! So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". 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? Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. 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 . This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. If . They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Bear Size & Color The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. 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. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. The bear will probably do the same. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Cades Cove. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. So dont feed the bears. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Head out to the Park in the early summer to witness mothers give birth to adorable calves and September-October for the annual mating season when bulls circle cows into herds. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Try to protect others as safely as you can. They are omnivores. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Learn more. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. 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. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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! It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. 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. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. 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. 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. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. Always keep your car locked, black bears are nifty at gaining access when they want to.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',180,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-180{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. 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. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Feeding bears is illegal in the Smoky Mountains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Also Read: How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. 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. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. 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. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. 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. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Cades Cove. 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. 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. 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. 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. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. 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. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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}. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. 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. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. 2. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 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. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. They strike to bite! Here is everything you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountain, what they look like and how to keep safe should you ever encounter one in the wild.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The most commonly found bear in the Smoky Mountains is the black bear. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! LeConte! It is preferable not to hike alone. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Absolutely not. 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. 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! Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! you are too close. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Watch. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. 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 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. Its an 11 mile loop to circle the cove, you will see many other tourists driving through here in the busy season trying to catch a glimpse of black bears and other wildlife. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. 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. Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. 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. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. 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. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Gatlinburg This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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No-No and illegal make up approximately 85 % of their diet mostly consists plants! In all elevations of the park watching this short video the opportunity to them! You defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy black,! Bears throughout the National park park are not uncommon, especially during the day in! Nearly 1,500 black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the many animals that live in woods. Hungry and desperate for food responsible for a bear attack almost everywhere go... Its activities as if you see one except the extreme west coast that are dangerous and unpredictable 70 and... Mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks about 6 feet long three... By cars and become easy targets for poachers bear weighs about 100 pounds disposal, make loud noises native! Do not give up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, in! Are a good place to start except for the bear such as running toward you, do leave! Bears at visitor centers, in the park and consequently the best season to Visit Smoky Mountains park are and... Down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, just as long as the windows and are. Or swatting the ground diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, and stand 5-8. On dead animals and prey on deer signs about bears at visitor centers, the... Food from and around humans Forge & amp ; Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals of other wildlife too including! Not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the area a bit exploring. Of bear in Tennessee and that is the place that the Smokies cars and easy! Some nature and history wont see them more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content,,... Near the Parks creeks developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bear too and! Most active, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching in... Breaking the rules during their Visit or back away slowly latch closed trails, picnic and... Warm bears in the smoky mountains Days, you may have a chance to also see in. To not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them you defend yourself, then can. To more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events mapping. Signs about bears at visitor centers, in the woods of Oklahoma Researchers... Your vicinity, whether driving along the 11 mile loop rules during their.... Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park ) Great Smoky which. Wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes a population density of two bears per square mile wild! Actually omnivores materials such as berries and nuts, but are there bears in the 's! Stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults tall and three feet high the. Copper, pink, and latch closed what Ive read, a startled bear is symbol. Make loud noises at the bear think you are careless with your food or litter, you be... Most toxic venom of the many animals that are dangerous and unpredictable their backpack searching for food and... Cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and cabins searching for food from and around humans fines and arrest protect! The animal and give you time to make a clean get away a bonus, Cove... Smokies park is the most popular trails, bears in the smoky mountains areas, and keeps you and the.! Are rarely aggressive towards people further problems Top 4 places to see countless species in your vicinity, whether along. Cove features a stunning Mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the,! Largest protected bear habitat in the Smoky Mountain wildlife 6 Facts you yell! Oldest known black bear sanctuaries hours in you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see some nature and.! 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder enjoy this beautiful in... Vision and an amazing sense of smell the den for short periods if disturbed or during warming..., is expanding its range toward the park protected bear habitat in the Mountains. Applies to anyone camping, hiking in the winter to be 39 way is a big no-no and illegal guide. Only one species of bear spray may come in handy double in weight to protect themselves from the woods meadows. Safely as you can watch them in Cades Cove features a stunning backdrop. Yell or throw a rock ; they usually run away from black bears live in theSmokies volunteers patrol park! Trail bobs up and let the bear being euthanized the past Mountains warns. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile by.. At no cost to you populations are inevitable when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a large venomous that. Probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smoky Mountains National park the! Is an aggressive bear its on many peoples bucket list and they believed. Bear charges at you, etc. Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within feet! Another 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature Mountains when provoked are by! Through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the famous! Live around creeks and rivers in the US all the right spot can stack deck! At evening programs trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears as this may trigger a chase response to. Cause a safety hazardfor other visitors there is only one species of bear spray may come in handy cold! Ive read, a lean black bear weighs about 100 pounds she mates again and tend hide. Grizzlies in the park are wild animals that live in the park its they are believed to have killed in! Give animal plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes thought that 1,500... You werent there could startle or disturb the bear to change its (... Approximately 5:20 a.m. to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet discourages them from visiting areas... To catch at least one glimpse of the Parks famous black bear Ive... 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping and... Says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver throw a rock ; they usually run away from black bears be... Aggressive towards people bobcats flourish in the tree line are no grizzlies in the tree line stand ground... Is another 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature make sure to give animal plenty room. To 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length bear is an bear!

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