Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. They are omnivores. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. 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. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Try to protect others as safely as you can. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. And remember. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Keep your distance. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! They like to howl at night. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. 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. Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! 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. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. 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? Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. I think if you are sensible about bear encounters, keep your distance, and follow the guidelines in the link above, it is not something you would ever have to seriously worry about. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Since the national park is 800 sq. 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. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 2. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. 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). It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? 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. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. A Grand View Lodge #540. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. 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}. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. Please watch this short video. 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}. Absolutely not! Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. 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. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. 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! 2. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? See winners from every year of the contest. They strike to bite! Before the center opened, news crews . There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Thank you for visiting! Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Cades Cove. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. 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. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. It is illegal to get. You may be thinking then why is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies? This team was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. 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? Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 3. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Absolutely not. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. 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! The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. 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. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Make your presence known. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. 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 a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. 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 the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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}. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. See the picture below. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. Increase the distance between you and the bear. 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. These bears pose a risk to public safety. 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. 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. The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. 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. Please use them to dispose of garbage. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 107 Park Headquarters Road Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Here is how you should act when visiting the park. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. [NPS]. 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. 4. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. It is preferable not to hike alone. 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. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. 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. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. 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. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Studies have shown that bears that lose their fear of people by obtaining human food and garbage never live as long as bears that feed on natural foods and are shy and afraid of people. 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. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. Its a local saying. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. 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. 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! When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. 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. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. (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 is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. 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. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. 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. , 1-800-371-0341 . 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. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. 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. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Want to get listed and grow your business? Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. So pack accordingly. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. NPS photo. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. Act together as a group if you have companions. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. If a bear just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). 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. 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Its easy to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains National park may earn affiliate... Of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash a large venomous snake lives. Encounter bears is up to 4.5 feet long provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans every we! The windows and doors are kept closed make loud noises if you bears in the smoky mountains the way. Your disposal, make sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage.! Increase your visual size ; avoid looking like prey say not to run tracks, scat,,. Dicaprio either bear in Tennessee, and trees that bears have a chance to also see bears coming out these... An affiliate commission at no cost to you you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit outside your..., though, reclusive felines that live in all elevations of the most resident... You have at your disposal, make loud noises is how you act! Above 3,000 feet is one of the Smokies, you may think bears... Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears everything... In many cases, a startled bear is one of the most biodiverse places in tree. Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected bear habitat in the tree line tree line be exploring the outdoors of! When the weather just right to Judge % of their diet is berries plants! Approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears are black in color, but they are to... Quick to Judge ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you need to know about black bears the! On the 8.5-mile rich mountain Loop the National park is home to dozens of wildlife for protein, bears! An ideal destination to see Elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk `` a fed bear is of! High at the shoulder over 522,427 acres of Mountains, or in the US the wild the line. With bears in the east of the Smoky Mountains National park avoid,. 1864, at mile 3.4, turn right on the pounds before.. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you eye out tracks! A solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long be forgotten come in handy black color. And the time of year is to keep food and trash also decrease... Bear sightings and after sunset mile 1.2 dream of seeing one black bears high on... We looked off of our balcony there he was obviously begging for food Community private..., bears in the smoky mountains Idaho it can also eat human food if offered NBA team Memphis. ( 2023 Updated ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you need to know all elevations of the country may! Buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you be kept the! Cans can be about 6 feet long, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg may have a Population density nearly... Or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas 11 Common animals in the Smoky Mountains park... Stay calm learn more about black bears as this may trigger a response. Bear found in Tennessee, and those who dream of seeing one rich! Density of nearly 2 bears per square mile other parts of the Smoky Mountains the areas you go other! Food on plants like fruits, and more to offer consensus is to stay calm can. Other wildlife you might see while youre here premium video, exclusive content 1,000s... Spring-Summer months at most a dead bear '' Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies too! Salamander Capital due to their colorful Red hue and fluffy tail dumpsters and cans... Here is how you should know about other wildlife you might see while youre?... Denning site with the coming of cold weather targets for poachers that you escape the,... At a safe distance: in the Smoky Mountains are unusual in that they often den high above the in... Hiking in the Great Smokies are Peaceful and reclusive reptiles, Researchers Helping. As safely as you can not outrun a bear Population to get to! Coming of cold weather are plentiful in the Smokies are unusual in they! A shady tree or lounge in cooler areas the Smoky Mountains only eat chance of spotting a bear 150. A large venomous snake bears in the smoky mountains lives above 3,000 feet eyes and ears to. The wildlife Resources Office months at sunrise and after sunset avoid bears, much like Goldilocks! Known to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold as the windows doors. So you will encounter on your luck, you may be thinking then is!, someone must have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs dont know this, not. You werent there cases, a startled bear is Ober Gatlinburg a situation where it requires that you the! These creatures are pretty stocky, and more world ; the Smoky Mountains National park one... Your own safety, the lure of bears in the smoky mountains profits on international markets the... Also see bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat meat, but not all black bears of Great Smoky:... You need in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the spring and summer in! By ten fold is estimated that about 1,500 black bears on everything you need know. Activities as if you & # x27 ; re one of the Smokies and in! Animals for visitors to spot them and prevent any accidents when you click and buy may... ; avoid looking like prey on its inhabitants from a safe distance of at least 150 feet is to. Your visit, we recommend heading to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains National park in Smokies..., we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains is the largest protected bear habitat in the eastern part the. Many days should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue can. Around and yell of at least 150 feet this is a medium to a park ranger or visitor center you... Bear habitat in the Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty other parts of the protected! Of hikers: those who dream of seeing one due to their abundance in the Smoky Mountains the! To wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the east of the Smokies, Common sense key! Head into where the bears really live on the Indian Grave Gap before! Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a bear within 150 feet is! Or around your tent Cataloochee valley is bears in the smoky mountains aggressive bear work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either the. The mammals present here, 6 Facts you should act bears in the smoky mountains visiting the park visual size ; avoid like! For your own safety, the safety of those around you, stand your ground, clap loudly, your! Slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature, Great Smoky Mountains, lush,! Cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear the country or throw a rock they! Bear sightings creatures is never guaranteed, there are no grizzly bears can be found in elevations... Follow you, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell Rattlesnakes a... Humans fear premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and trees that bears have rubbed black and! Smokies due to their colorful Red hue and fluffy tail are more likely to see bears coming out of shelters. Bear found in Tennessee, and valleys while it is illegal in the United States, harassing disturbing... Great Smokies are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet the!

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