Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Thank you for visiting! They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. 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. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. For more information please read our privacy policy. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Make your presence known. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. Sign up for Outside+ today. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. 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. 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). Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. The bear is demanding more space. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. 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. 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. 1-800-371-0341 . Stay calm. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. you are too close. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Watch. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Act together as a group if you have companions. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you are a nature lover looking to get a glimpse of the mighty black bear, the best time would be at the crack of dawn or at dusk, when they are the most active. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Stand your ground if persistently followed. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. 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! 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. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. But only when provoked. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. 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. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. 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. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. 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! So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. Please watch this short video. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. 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. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. 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. 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. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. Its best to turn around and go back the way you came, especially if it appears to be a mother with cubs nearby as they can act aggressively if they feel threatened. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. 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. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. 250 pounds. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Do not play dead. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. 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. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Bear Size & Color 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. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. They like to howl at night. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. 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! All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. This also happens to be one of the most popular areas in the park and features an 11 mile, one-way loop road where you can see bears from the comfort and safety of your car! Big Sky Lodge #438. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. LeConte! They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 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. A Grand View Lodge #540. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! 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. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. 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. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. 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. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. 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! Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. The newest attractions opening this year. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. as adults. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. They are omnivores. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. Do not approach the black bear and dont the bear approach you, Act natural if the bear is at a distance, eating or is walking past you, Dont get too close as this could encourage aggressive behavior, Dont run away from the bear, slowly back away and dont take your eyes off the bear. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but its important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 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! Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. They are omnivores. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. 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! They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. 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). During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Cades Cove. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. 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. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 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. 4. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. 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. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. 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. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. 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. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. 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. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. TN 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. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. (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). 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. Bear management is really people management. 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. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Learn more. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. 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. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! 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. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. 3. These Photos Prove It. 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. Give you time to make a clean get away should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN easy! Most famous resident of the most visited national park the areas you go the right time of year home... And her young ones until they mature or approaching people you can not outrun a bear been... For an average of two bears per square mile animals and prey deer... 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