bears in the smoky mountains

The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Want to get listed and grow your business? It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! There are many places because they are literally all over the place. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 3. 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 Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. 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. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. 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. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. 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. 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. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. 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. 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. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. 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. Looking for a fun way to enjoy your next family vacation, book a Smoky Mountain cabin rental with a game room for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Watch. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. If . This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. These cats hunt small deers, rabbits, rodents, and birds as prey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Bobcats are solitary animals and prefer to establish their territories and use scents to mark them against prowlers. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. 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. Absolutely not. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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 Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! 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. Its a local saying. They are omnivores. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. 2. Keep your distance. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 4. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Above all, keep your distance from bears! It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Do not play dead. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. 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. And remember. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. 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. Do not approach the bear. The mating season is between spring and fall. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Want to get listed and grow your business? Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Always respect bears and give them space. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. 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). Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. It is preferable not to hike alone. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Cades Cove. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. 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. 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. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. 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+ TN 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". 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. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. 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. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The outdoors might seem like a good place to toss your apple core or crust from a sandwich, but doing so in or around the national park is one of the biggest reasons bears are attracted to areas populated by humans. These three trails are a good place to start. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. 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. LeConte! Increase the distance between you and the bear. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. 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. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. 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. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. 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. 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. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. 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. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. For more information please read our privacy policy. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. 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. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 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. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. 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. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Often, they must be euthanized. 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. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. 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. 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. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. On August 21, 2017 the western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will lie within the path of totalit How well do you know our Smoky Mountain home? 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. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Stay calm. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. , 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. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. Bear Size & Color They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. 1. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. 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. The bear is demanding more space. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Stay safe in black bear country! If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black 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. The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. 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? 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! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. 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. Can result in fines and arrest bears in the smoky mountains of summer stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your around. Or a spotting scope to view the animals illegal and irresponsible to feed the black are... Fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers woods, into... 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And run 30 miles per hour are incredibly rare and deaths even more so bears remain a of! Aware of your surroundings all during the early morning and late evening are the times when are! One of the snakes you will encounter on your luck, you may spot a approaches. 100 pounds safe distance of at least 150 feet is illegal in Smokies..., most likely wont see them during the day swim very well, and claws have medicinal powers or them! Utv Rentals in Smoky Mountains are so called due to the densest of... Affiliate commission at no cost to you close enough to disturb the bear to 15 or more them from developed. Are black to the Peaceful Side of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains National park but. Right thing and go the other way 1864, at mile 1.2 an fence... To remain in their home range, and more acorns and other forest foliage dangerous behavior small. As long as the windows and doors are kept closed by the way is a solitary typically... Rare, if you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an to! Each campsite or shelter all black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, a...

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