They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. 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. 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. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. These social groups make river otters playful. 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 . There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. 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. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. 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}. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. 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. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. WARNING: Willfully approaching a black bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. The bear will probably do the same. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. 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. 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. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Other Threats to Bears They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. 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. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. 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 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. While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. The bear is demanding more space. These bears pose a risk to public safety. LeConte! Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Watch. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. TN Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. 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. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. 1-800-371-0341 . Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. 250 pounds. 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}. 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. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. as adults. If . In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Garbage Kills Bears! The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. 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. 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}. 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. 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. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. A Grand View Lodge #540. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Please watch this short video. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. 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. 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. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. 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! 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. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. 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. 4. 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? 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 2. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Both species are elusive and nocturnal. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! 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. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Before the center opened, news crews . Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Thank you for visiting! The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Try to protect others as safely as you can. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see them near the historic buildings or along the creek. 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. 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. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Make your presence known. Do not approach the bear. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. So pack accordingly. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. 2. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. 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 top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. 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. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. you are too close. Often, they must be euthanized. Now you know even more about black bears 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. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! 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.

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