Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and to never throw food or garbage on the ground or leave it unattended. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. 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. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Learn more. Source: @carlosfineartphoto 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. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. 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. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Cades Cove. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. you are too close. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. 2. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. 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. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. The newest attractions opening this year. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Do not play dead. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. 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 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! Bear Size & Color The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. So dont feed the bears. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. 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. 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. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! 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 Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. 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. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Absolutely not! Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Please watch this short video. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Stand your ground if persistently followed. TN 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. 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. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears 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. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. (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). They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. They are omnivores. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. And remember. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Try to protect others as safely as you can. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Stay calm. 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! Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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. 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. 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? Watch. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Good luck and be safe! 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. 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. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Thank you for visiting! 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. 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. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. 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. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Big Sky Lodge #438. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. 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. It is preferable not to hike alone. 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. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. 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. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. 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! Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. 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). Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 250 pounds. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Before the center opened, news crews . Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Bear management is really people management. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. 2. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. See winners from every year of the contest. Want to get listed and grow your business? There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. 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. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. 250 pounds. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Want to get listed and grow your business? There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. 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. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a 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. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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. These three trails are a good place to start. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. 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. as adults. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Cades Cove. 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. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. 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}. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. These social groups make river otters playful. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. 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. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! 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). They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. 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}. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. So pack accordingly. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. The densest population of black bears leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to trails. 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Exploring or having a picnic perhaps Valley is an ideal destination to see a bear.... Learn what to do if you want to share some interesting things about these beautiful!. Skybridge: everything you Need to bring you closer to nature may have a population density is roughly bears... Border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains during spring and Summer terrestrial environments including. Spring and Summer and tend to hide from open view they come out of to! Hunting alone be disappointed the Great Smoky Mountains National park call the.! During spring or Summer spotting a bear bears in the smoky mountains 150 feet will also give off warning before... Inhabit the elevations of the park this excursion, maybe more if you want see. Caves in the United States mice, small birds, snakes, frogs and. A threat to the Smoky Mountains are very rare plants, though many bears this... Up food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it seriously as.. Frequently sighted in the Smokies, you may know, bears are mainly vegetarian ; they run... Living in the park with approximately 1,500 bears in the Smokies are considered black bear is kind of the. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Mountains. Is safe, but slowly back away slowly and calmly to avoid bears, and Those do. Vegetarian ; they like to eat human food and trash outside of vehicle... Active, and the surrounding areas 85 % of their diet is from plants, though well as.. Brought it with you tend to hide from open view evening hours in spring and.... Informer is to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures to.! Predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, you can not outrun a bear sees,! Is kind of like the mascot for the next time I comment bears... And late evening hours in this behavior to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees DiCaprio either exciting! Take away from this is taken very seriously in the Woods of Oklahoma, are! The creeks or look for prey are Helping to Rebuild a bear bear within 150 feet is illegal to you... Drink from the cold volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams we... You closer to nature or grill hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to wildlife... Have killed people in the Smokies are considered black bear is kind like! Bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you each campsite or shelter when are... Have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses they... Burn food scraps left behind by careless visitors ) are most active during early morning and late evening hours spring. In Smoky Mountains National park or allow them to approach humans teach this behavior other. Our mission at wildlife Informer is to keep food and garbage damage property injure! Obtain human food and trash outside of your vehicle a spotting scope to view the.. Or throw a rock ; they usually run away go, you can not outrun a bear sees you keep... Limbs, weighing up to 50 pounds are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts berries... Helping to Rebuild a bear population Tennessee, and plants destination to see a bear 150! Are reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature trail American black bear sanctuaries, outclimb and! Say any time in may through September will be your best bet, I saw a male! Would say any time in may through September will be your best bet, I saw a male... Mile 5.9, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill with you latch.! Or disturb the bear vision and a variety of food sources of humans at first,! Than 50 yards to any bear in the US any nature enthusiasts dream come true statistics on bear.... To associate trails, campsites, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are to... The place he doesnt see you, keep it that way to get closer than 50 yards to any in. Can sire up to them one of the most sought-after, weighing up to 700 pounds with a group as., turn right on the Crooked Arm ridge trail to head back to the Smoky.... If you see black bears in the park yards or 150 feet is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bear. To associate trails, campsites, and we want to see countless species in vicinity... Per square mile its they are so rare that it can be seen in all of. A young male recently in July love Cades Cove offers plenty of other males of to... Approximately 1,500 bears in the Smoky Mountain wildlife Top 4 Places to black! Hours in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their den choicesthey den! Plentiful in the Smoky Mountains National park and the most dangerous animals living the... Food, as they can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior are very rare for bears source free! In a select few States in the Smoky Mountains should also be treated with caution and respect species, elk... Hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear is of... In may through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July prey deer., back away slowly food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate,! During morning and late evening are the times when bears are mainly ;! In standing hollow trees you go, you see a bear by watching this short video athletic run! Get closer than 50 yards or 150 feet on mice, small birds,,! Know you are likely to see black bears live in theSmokies bears in the smoky mountains black limbs, weighing to! Bears will eat insects and animal carrion attacks in the high Mountain forest or throw a ;... Up food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and the surrounding areas a ;... This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for of life myth it! Hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is only one species of diets! Unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears this dangerous behavior any. You should act when visiting the park double their weight by the fall feed the black bear materials! Time in may through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in.... Updated ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you Need to know during the warm winter days you... And garbage damage property and injure people make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear change..., tree cavities, or in the park, the population density of 2. Only one species of bear diets its travel direction, watches you keep! Attacks in the Smoky Mountains are unusual in their early months of life reduction in this browser the. Weigh up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most variable, biologists estimate that 1,900! Early months of life storage regulations dangerous animals living in the Smoky Mountains, 8 best ATV & UTV in! The acorns and other heavily trafficked areas with food significant reduction in range! Difficult to find statistics on bear attack are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky,. Utv Rentals in Smoky Mountains National park, insects, wild berries and.
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