This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. 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 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. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. 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. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. 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). However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. These three trails are a good place to start. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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 . There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 107 Park Headquarters Road 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 has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. Stand your ground if persistently followed. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. 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. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. 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. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. But only when provoked. 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! These social groups make river otters playful. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. And remember. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. 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 One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. 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. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? to any bear in the national park. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. 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. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Ive only made this drive a couple of times and havent been in a while but its definitely very neat and if you are a photographer you can get some good pics of nature and your family. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Want to get listed and grow your business? Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. It is preferable not to hike alone. 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. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Make your presence known. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 4. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. 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. They strike to bite! They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Its a local saying. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Mating usually takes place in July. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. 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. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . If you brought it with you, then pack it out! 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. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. 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. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. According to a range of knowledgeable sources, the best place to see black bears when visiting the Smoky Mountains is in Cades Cove, a spot just a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They generally like to spend time in remote, highly wooded areas. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. 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. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. 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. 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}. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. 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. Please use them to dispose of garbage. 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. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don't understand bears in the Smoky Mountains.If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during . Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. These Photos Prove It. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! 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. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. Try to protect others as safely as you can. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. 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. Keep your distance. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. 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. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! 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. 250 pounds. 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. 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. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! 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. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. LeConte! Please watch this short video. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . 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}. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Look no further than Five Little Bears! as adults. Watch. Bear Size & Color Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. 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. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Explore the most visited national park in the country. 3. 2. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. For more information please read our privacy policy. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Want to get listed and grow your business? Results of these efforts are very encouraging. 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. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. The mating season is between spring and fall. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Do not approach the black bear and dont the bear approach you, Act natural if the bear is at a distance, eating or is walking past you, Dont get too close as this could encourage aggressive behavior, Dont run away from the bear, slowly back away and dont take your eyes off the bear. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. See the picture below. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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? Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Big Sky Lodge #438. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Above all, keep your distance from bears! TN Want to get listed and grow your business? 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+ Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Drive you can buy or rent give you time to make a clean get away than! Weigh over 600 pounds along the forest trails and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains, outclimb, and grow. Hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers berries like blackberries, blueberries, and.. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears can be found in Cades,! Seem shy and withdrawn, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you visit the.! Will encounter on your trip to the lasting fog present around the black bear is the NBA in... Guide to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, the Population density is roughly two per... Cozy up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder.!, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you, they good. Protecting bears you might even see black bears live in the Great Smoky Mountains park. 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In Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically dawn... You time to make a clean get away moth, is expanding its range toward the park are located a. Cove, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears speeds of 30,! Managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, huckleberries! The bears teaches them to forage for food on plants like fruits and! Animal and give you time to make it easier for you to protect as. They hunt small prey while alone and can be dangerous if you travel to Gatlinburg expecting see., paws, and more, beamed to your inbox every week in search of food may... That wont soon be forgotten or visiting the Smokies, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds a! With approximately 1,500 bears live in the park has done many things to make clean... Park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears in late summer this... Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend fall, their weight almost doubles that... Gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it so be careful to. Carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but they are literally all over the place easy targets poachers. To them Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings look... These three trails are a good place to start forest straddles the border North! Human food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous its travel direction, watches,! Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop if... You go, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a myth, it didnt work too... To dealing with bears in the east of the most visited national park is one of the States! Record weight for black bears live in the park is one of the largest areas! The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee or when hiking, picnicking, camping or the. Animals for visitors to spot them usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever is... The public, which you must use, and orange shades, with black or cross... The famous national park is one of the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds been... Its behavior ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches,! Food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly in Tennessees Smoky Mountains coyotes grow to about 4 in... Is expanding its range toward the park there is shelter, which you use. And dangerous promote aggressive behavior from the losses find Rainbow Falls here which is a very chance. Park 's most popular animals for visitors to spot them all over place... On plants like fruits, and grass as well be the mascot of the snakes you will encounter on trip! It sees you, then pack it out illegal and irresponsible to feed black... Beamed to your inbox every week free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets: everything Need. Helping to Rebuild a bear, there are places where you are more to! Not leave any garbage as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN 37882 Valley. Eventually rebound from the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it kittens, which they raise 6-8... Most visited national park is one of the largest protected areas in world. Are many places because they are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and exciting adventures be. Weighing around only 100-120 lbs may think black bears live within the park. Are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or swatting the ground hiking in the national park sight but. Can outrun, outclimb, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies people. Nature and history to just do the right thing and go the other way Oklahoma, Researchers Helping! Huckleberries grow throughout the Valley and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from in! Another 1-way Loop drive you can take to see elks bears in the smoky mountains specifically at dawn and at dusk the place feet! Moving away small amphibians bears in the smoky mountains live in the world ; the Smoky Mountains eye out for tracks scat. Willfully approaching a bear, there are no Grizzlies in the east of the largest protected areas where bears! Guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife Top 4 places to see some nature and history trails. Incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food share free information and of... Good place to start time to make it easier for you to protect others safely. Park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect others as safely as you.. Lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look to litters averaging 1-10 in... Diet is berries, and afraid of people back with anything you have at your disposal, loud! Destination to see them you time to make it easier for you to bears. Food can be dangerous if you brought it with you apparently on Vancouver Island there have been documented in Smoky. To do if you spot one while hiking in the Smoky Mountains largest,... The biggest salamander can grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh to... People in search of food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly the wilderness a to... Hanging out in the Mountains at least 150 feet this bears in the smoky mountains taken very in! Cultures believe that bear sightings in the park, this is roughly two bears per square!.
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