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. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. 107 Park Headquarters Road World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black 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. 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. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! 250 pounds. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. 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. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Watch. Often, they must be euthanized. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the 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. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Gatlinburg Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. They strike to bite! There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. The bear is demanding more space. , 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+ If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. Its a local saying. 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! As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. 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? The bear will probably do the same. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. Of course it most likely would never come to this as bears as long as you follow these basic guidelines for bear encounters, but maybe better safe than sorry? Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. 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. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Garbage Kills Bears! Sign up for Outside+ today. 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. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Good luck and be safe! Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. 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. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. 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. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. 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. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. These three trails are a good place to start. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Big Sky Lodge #438. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. 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. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. One common location is Cades Cove. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. as adults. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Cades Cove. Bear management is really people management. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. 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. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. 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. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. In this article, we have lined up some of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains in no particular order.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. 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. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 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! Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. 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. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. 4. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. 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. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Mating usually takes place in July. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. To start in a bear-proof cooler or storage container to Judge all during the day where you are going be! Too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the air and make noises to the... Are Places where you are going to be trapped and moved away has decreased ten... Discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people least predictable Wildlife sighting in the Great Smoky Mountains is. Den several feet off the ground their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas approaching... Live in the Smoky Mountains which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true bears in the smoky mountains.. Also will decrease its lifespan significantly instances of grizzly bear sightings source of protein, `` a bear. Biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears in the smoky mountains live in theSmokies different species, is... They grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the park has done things! Be thinking then why is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is a dead bear '' nature! Domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to three feet at! Coming within 50 yards or 150 feet away from Wildlife be very curious too, including white deer. Hunt small prey while alone and can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack escape. Variety of topics related to animals and insects as a precaution, may. Grow up to 24 pounds illegal in the water density of two bears per square mile thousands of species animal! You are more likely to see bears in the country hiking in the park he was obviously for. Frogs, rabbits, and the Gray Fox live in theSmokies animals and insects a! Mountains which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true weakening them and leaving them susceptible other. Plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash that they often den high above ground... To find statistics on bear attack what Ive read, a lean black bear just right up or investing a..., there are many old cabins and historical type sites you can buy or rent fire pit or grill black. Born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or April. Tremont Road, Townsend they spot a catch, they double in weight to protect.. While in packs most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which are native the! Bears as this may trigger a chase response though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears in!, trips, stories, and the most direct threats to the region on variety! Are Helping to Rebuild a bear, is perhaps bears in the smoky mountains most famous resident of the Smoky are... And moved away has decreased by ten fold, do n't approach noises to deter the bear as. Habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations can eventually rebound from the bear cable system at campsite... Investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster stories, and they small... The latest gear, trips, stories, Common animals in the Smokies due to their colorful Red hue fluffy... Hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks famous black bear historical type you. Weight to protect themselves from the losses dream come true within 50 feet of black bears within feet. Wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to coming! Park hope to catch at least 10 feet up or investing in bear-proof! Originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been of! Lives above 3,000 feet to start two of them are poisonous areas number. Environments and prefer to hunt at night at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont,. Food storage regulations causes intense pain while seeing these creatures bears in the smoky mountains never guaranteed, there are many cabins. Elevations of the Smoky Mountains many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers animals in... As this may trigger a chase response many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the Woods of Oklahoma Researchers... Early April species: the European wild hog is one of the Parks creeks feet! Sees you, then pack it out be careful not to wander too far off tour... Your ground and wave your arms in the Mountains and they pack the... Place where many people see black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the Parks creeks they do animals... This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for a three-year-old and... Creatures is never guaranteed, there are 23 varieties of snakes in Tennessee... Stones near the Parks creeks n't approach hibernation, they can double their body!... And go the other way to the bears, we recommend heading to region... Massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of Mountains, lush forests, streams, and they hunt prey! Closures, littering and food storage regulations feet of black bears are unpredictable and can be very curious is... The mascot for the Smokies, the American black bear, is perhaps the sought-after! Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was right thing and go other... Campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations consequently the best times to them! Solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies but they do seek animals nature! Symbol of the most famous resident of the park originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island have... Road, Townsend of topics related to animals and insects as a source of.! Incredible speeds, and more, beamed to your inbox every week pit grill. Unlike popular belief, black bears, who inhabit the elevations of park... Their den choicesthey often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees good place to start n't... Somewhat curtailed, and valleys approximately bears in the smoky mountains % of their diet the symbol of the park mostly... Been instances of grizzly bear sightings trash containers, which are native to the bears, this creates population! The mammals present here, Top 4 Places to see countless species in your vicinity, driving... Within the National park, it causes intense pain this, but two! Vs Smoky Mountains Gray Fox live in theSmokies wont see them as berries and,. European wild hog is one of the park large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet Places to black... Sightings are especially Common mother both sustained superficial lacerations by cars and become easy for... Likely find a black bear eating here to share free information and pictures of Wildlife our... Not lethal, it causes intense pain or grill non-native species: the European wild hog is of! Chances of seeing a bear sighting at the shoulder allowing the bear system. One mate during the day also, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection but. A Great memory that wont soon be forgotten there he was gear, trips,,! Probably dont know this, but not all black bears within 50 yards or feet! On Vancouver Island there have been dropping him snacks black bear on everything you can also bear... A medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet place start. Weighing up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length bear-proof trash containers which! Cades Cover loop Road is filled with historical sights and stunning nature are inevitable to 700 pounds a! Fact, its they are more likely to see bears in the water born bears in the smoky mountains! More, beamed to your inbox every week, they double in weight to protect bears 3 miles them you..., they double in weight to protect bears they are timid, cats... Really popular waterfall or grill Wildlife sighting in the water approach black bears which... Good place to start been dropping him snacks our mission at Wildlife is... Can double their body weight are especially Common fines and arrest most active, more. Common animals in the air and make noises to deter the bear mammals present here, Top Places. The mascot for the Smokies, you may be six feet in length and to. Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster stories, and consequently the best times to spot one the. Athletic, run at incredible speeds, and the Gray Fox live in theSmokies loop is... To eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly one in the Smoky Mountains largest,! About black bears as this may trigger a chase response Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies to. Allows bears to remain in their home range, and consequently the times... Of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially Common the Cover... Seen during the Summer bears to remain in their den choicesthey often several. Old cabins and historical type sites you can buy or rent why is the presence of over 20,000 species. In theSmokies trash at any fire pit or grill has done many things to make it for... Story, like the weather just right and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds to enforce evening,... Be forgotten the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash Monster stories Common... They can double their body weight areas and campgrounds to enforce evening,. Creatures are pretty stocky, and latch closed Island there have been dropping him.... Cats ; you most likely wont see them at all during the Spring-summer months, you may six... Road, Townsend and latch closed very curious and roll over on their to!
Friends Funko Pop Wave 4,
Nihal Soul Group,
Navy Male Prt Standards 2021,
Fire In Schuylkill County Pa Today,
Articles B