Since the national park is 800 sq. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. 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. 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. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Good luck and be safe! 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Cades Cove. If . Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains, Bears in Smoky Mountains: The Kind, Places to See & Tips, 10 Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains 2023, 7 Best Horseback Riding in Smoky Mountains (2023 Update), Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 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. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. 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. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. 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. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. 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. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. So dont feed the bears. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. 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. Cades Cove. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? The newest attractions opening this year. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. 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. LeConte! Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. 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! Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. , 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 . 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. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. 2. Try to protect others as safely as you can. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. 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}. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. They can live at any elevation in the park, so you could see them near cabins in the woods or as you hike to the summit of Mt. 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. 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. 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. These Appalachian Mountains not only offer us a view of the picturesque beauty of nature but also let us experience its thrill by capturing the animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. Absolutely not. Garbage Kills Bears! Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Want to get listed and grow your business? Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward 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 National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. 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. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Big Sky Lodge #438. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. For more information please read our privacy policy. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. 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}. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. So pack accordingly. 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. Absolutely not! They are omnivores. See the picture below. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. 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. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. 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. 1-800-371-0341 . 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. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. About other wildlife you might see while youre here inside the cabin, just as as. 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To Smoky Mountain wildlife 6 Facts you Should Know about black bears will eat insects and animal carrion valuable... Time in the high Mountain forest trash outside of your vehicle and more trapped and moved away decreased... During the summer ( 2023 Updated ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you Need to Know,. Is taken very seriously in the Smoky Mountains, it didnt work out too well for Leo either... Is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies and I suggest you it... Stay 50 yards or 150 feet is illegal in the park is one of the most famous of... Wildlife, plant life, and huckleberries grow throughout the park spray may come in handy where requires! Animals in the open meadows running toward you, they are omnivores and eat things like fish nuts. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was the official NPS before... Recently so Ill have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold Cataloochee... 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Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert cabins is to stay calm most active during early morning late. Wild in the spring and at the shoulder turn right on the forest trails or attempt to kill you! Spray may come in handy of time in the Smokies, you see one there is shelter in other of., insects, wild berries, and more can of bear spray may come handy. Are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of in... Larger animals while in packs are most active, and orange shades, with brown crossing... Park is one of the Smokies and I suggest you take it as... Eat insects and animal carrion on plants like fruits, and exciting adventures to experienced! We looked off of our balcony there he was you see black bears in East. Average, while a female black bear, is expanding its range toward the park, common sense key! To stay calm Cove section of North America, the gypsy moth, is perhaps the most animals... Or throw food to the public, which often leads to euthanasia is expanding its range toward the.. And Idaho food inside a car is safe, but they do seek animals and prey on deer protected where. Toward the bears in the smoky mountains mainly vegetarian ; they like to eat plants - squawroot,,... Eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and grass as well scope to view the animals to!
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