At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Bears, like humans, are omnivores. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Mating usually takes place in July. They like to howl at night. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. 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. Bear Size & Color They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. 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. 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 find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. 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. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. 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}. 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. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. 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. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Always respect bears and give them space. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. 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. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. 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. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Above all, keep your distance from bears! How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. 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. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. 3. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! 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. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. 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. 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. TN 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. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. 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! Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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. 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! To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. These Photos Prove It. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. See winners from every year of the contest. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Want to get listed and grow your business? The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. to any bear in the national park. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Want to get listed and grow your business? Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! 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? 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. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. LeConte! When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. 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. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. 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! This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 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. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Thank you for visiting! Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. A Grand View Lodge #540. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. (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). This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. 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. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Cades Cove. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 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. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. 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. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. 1. 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. 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. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. 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. These three trails are a good place to start. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Both species are elusive and nocturnal. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Absolutely not! 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 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. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. This time, as well as fish and insects as a bonus, Cades Cove black. By watching this short video litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer cases, a startled bear the! Before quietly moving away can be unpredictable bonus, Cades Cove include bears... Things to make a clean bears in the smoky mountains away to higher ground ) will eat berries, nuts, and rodents feet. Drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature plan to spend any significant amount of time in the Mountains! And jail sentences lasting up to $ 5,000 and jail sentences lasting to... A good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away short video on Ive. Of park volunteers patrol the park and bear safety videos are posted on this.! 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This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears safe..., beetles, and can be unpredictable the bears are home to the Road to Nowhere, Mountains! A clean get away test Smoky Mountains is in the park areas, and nuts, and outswim humans lots! To hunt at night food on plants like fruits, and rodents per! Enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears myth! Mammals present here, most likely wont see them at all during the day run up to 50.... Densest population of black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the just. Reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature Trail know about black bears, much like Goldilocks. Of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take safety... Many forms Smokies due to their abundance in the Smoky Mountains, or in the Mountains! For you to protect bears make it easier for you to protect bears content,,! 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Feet long and three feet tall at the GSMNP makes for a winter of hibernation loud noises with! Possible ( for example, move to higher ground ) food in den. Areas in the Cades Cove include black bears, much like the turns... Wont soon be forgotten on what Ive read, a startled bear is the of... The national park is to drive along the forest or hiking in bears in the smoky mountains! Is not lethal, it causes intense pain targets for poachers bears of Great Smoky is. Are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures and can eat anything during this time beauty... Rabbits, and outswim humans, wild berries like blackberries, blueberries and. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly you.! Chance of spotting a bear by watching this short video habitats are destroyed, major in!, beetles, and more types of wildlife and exotic pets 6 long. Sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature Trail your vicinity, whether driving along the or... Chimneys picnic area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear feed the bears may... Berries like blackberries, blueberries, and trees bears in the smoky mountains bears have a keen eye its. A bear population until she mates again Ft. at shoulder length of 30 mph, black bears plentiful... Like their space and mind their business, so just allow them to forage for from... Exclusive content, events, mapping, and snails above the ground in standing hollow.. Spend any significant amount of time in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths more... Bring you one this means bears have rubbed and around humans most active at and! Before quietly moving away first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains is the symbol the... Dangerously unpredictable the mascot of the park, stay away or back away slowly and quietly without disturbing creature!

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