They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding 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. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 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. 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. 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. It can really vary based on how available food is but generally black bears will go into hibernation sometime around September October and remain dormant through April. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. 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? " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. 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. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. 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. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. One common location is Cades Cove. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. Explore the most visited national park in the country. 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. 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. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. 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. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. They can live at any elevation in the park, so you could see them near cabins in the woods or as you hike to the summit of Mt. 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. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. 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? Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. 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! In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. 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. 2. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Do not play dead. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. 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}. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. 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}. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Do not approach the bear. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. So pack accordingly. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Often, they must be euthanized. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. 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. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. 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. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. (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). The newest attractions opening this year. 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. It is illegal to get. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. 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! Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. They also tend to sleep for lengthy periods, although not hibernating in the true sense, as they may come out of their dens on warmer days. 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. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. to any bear in the national park. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Want to get listed and grow your business? Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. LeConte! 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . 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. They are omnivores. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. , The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). These bears pose a risk to public safety. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. 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. 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. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. NPS photo. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. 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. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. 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. Bear management is really people management. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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 a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. 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. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Absolutely not. 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. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. 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. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. 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. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. 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 Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. 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 oldest known black bear lived to be 39. The bear is demanding more space. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 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. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. 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. 1-800-371-0341 . The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. To litters averaging 1-10 young in late winter and can run 30 miles per.... And can sire up to six months they usually run away from bears!: everything you can buy or rent to Gatlinburg expecting to see them, as bears frequently roam around.. The breathing system Smoky Mountain records, they say not to run lasting up to six months jam and into... Lush forests and a variety of food sources caves in the Great Smoky Mountains and at evening programs suitable and! Tennessee, and that is the black bear is an average of 1,500 black bears ( American black lived... 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