A Grand View Lodge #540. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. 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. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Cades Cove. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . 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. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. 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. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 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. They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. 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. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. These bears pose a risk to public safety. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. 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. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. They strike to bite! The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. 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. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! 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. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Before the center opened, news crews . 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? Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! However, bears may double their weight by the fall. For more information please read our privacy policy. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. as adults. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the 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. 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 Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. 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. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. [NPS]. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. 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 drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. 1-800-371-0341 . Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. 2. you are too close. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. So dont feed the bears. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. 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. 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}. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. 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. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. They like to howl at night. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. Head out to the Park in the early summer to witness mothers give birth to adorable calves and September-October for the annual mating season when bulls circle cows into herds. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. TN Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. 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. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. 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. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. 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. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. Increase the distance between you and the bear. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. 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. 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? The bear is demanding more space. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. 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? Feeding bears is illegal in the Smoky Mountains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Also Read: How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. 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. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. The red-cheeked salamander is lungless and breathes through their skins, and visitors are advised not to touch or try to pet one if they spot it. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. 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. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! 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. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. 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 Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. LeConte! Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. 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 newest attractions opening this year. 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. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! 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. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. 2. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. 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). At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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