Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. 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}. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. 1-800-371-0341 . Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. 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. Especially a mother with cubs. Garbage Kills Bears! The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. 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. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. 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. When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! 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. 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+ 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. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. LeConte! Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. 1. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Stay calm. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. 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). 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. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. 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. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Explore the most visited national park in the country. 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 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. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. 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. Mating usually takes place in July. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! 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! Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. 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. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. 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. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. For more information please read our privacy policy. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. 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. 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. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Keep your distance. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. 2. 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. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Cades Cove. 2. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. They are omnivores. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. 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. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. They strike to bite! One common location is Cades Cove. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. NPS photo. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Sign up for Outside+ today. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. You can learn more about hibernation here. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! 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! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. 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. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". 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. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. So dont feed the bears. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. 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. Other Threats to Bears Bear management is really people management. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. 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. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. So pack accordingly. 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 your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. 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. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. Its a local saying. 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. LeConte! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Stand your ground if persistently followed. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. 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. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. Good luck and be safe! There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Act together as a group if you have companions. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. 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? Absolutely not. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. Since the national park is 800 sq. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. 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. Before the center opened, news crews . Black bears double their weight in the fall months. 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. 107 Park Headquarters Road With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 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. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. 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. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. If the bear comes toward you, do not run, instead, scream continuously, and throw rocks to scare it away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); The black mountain bears hibernate during winter, so its hard to find any around this time. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. 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. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. 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. 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. 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. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. 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. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! 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.

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