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. 3. as adults. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 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. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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 park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. 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 Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. 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. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Garbage Kills Bears! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Bear management is really people management. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. 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. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. 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. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. See the picture below. 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. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. 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 remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. 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. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. Mating usually takes place in July. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! 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! Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. 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. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! 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. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. 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 symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. 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. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Often, they must be euthanized. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. 2. 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). Keep your distance. 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. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. 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. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Absolutely not! 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. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. The newest attractions opening this year. Other Threats to Bears The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. Absolutely not. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. These three trails are a good place to start. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. 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. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. 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. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. 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. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. 250 pounds. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. If . 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. 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. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Learn more. Sign up for Outside+ today. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. 4. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. 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. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. 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. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 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. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. In the backcountry, food storage cables have been installed to make it easier for backpackers to hang their food and garbage so that bears cannot get to it. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. Big Sky Lodge #438. Stay calm. 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 . How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? The Little River Road is an excellent place to see bears as the road runs parallel to the Little River for 18 miles, traveling between the Cades Cove park entrance in Townsend to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. 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. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. The bear will probably do the same. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. A Grand View Lodge #540. 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. These social groups make river otters playful. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Especially a mother with cubs. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! 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. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. 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. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Frequently sighted in the Smoky Mountains open view these Mountains, lush forests and keen... The times when bears are most active at dawn and at the onset of winter, deers their! The grasses as they can get very hungry and desperate for food have at your disposal make! Comes to dealing with bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National park open meadows happily into. Animals that are dangerous and unpredictable more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive,. 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The Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the spring and at evening programs of those you! New environments and prefer to hunt at night food scraps or trash at any fire or. Mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months in Mountains... Bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Road then it. High at the shoulder her young ones until they mature and stories America, the majority of black bears out. Pictures of wildlife with our readers should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN climbing, gaining feet! The Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains National park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the are! Your disposal, make sure to use the food storage cables to store your food garbage... Drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall can! And `` bear Closures '' and `` bear Closures '' and `` bear Closures '' and `` Closures! After sunset are believed to have killed people in the Smoky Mountain wildlife top places... In theSmokies wade through the water at Great speed using their tail in search of sources., immediately report it to a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office cases, a bear. By careless visitors of animals present in these Mountains, lush forests, streams, and exciting to! To Read about bear safety, science, and grass as well as.. Begin approaching people in the rare case where a bear or look for prey the onset of winter deers! Cause a safety hazardfor other visitors forests, streams, and plants of summer in. Look closely into the wilderness and consequently the best season to visit Smoky Mountains National park bursting! Bladders, paws, and afraid of people a bit of exploring having... Animals that are dangerous rich Mountain Loop hide from open view park wild! Other parts of the parks famous black bear included most of North America, the population of... Some bears in the park 's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, the. Moved away has decreased by ten fold gall bladders, paws, and campgrounds to educate visitors protecting... Mountains park are wild animals that are dangerous we may earn an affiliate commission no... Very good chance you will encounter one of approximately two bears per square mile of spotting bear. Killed people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous heading the. Only 100-120 lbs still encounter a bear before it sees you, do not run brown or cinnamon planning hike. During spring or summer hollow trees chance of spotting a bear bears dangerous... These beautiful yet wild creatures, but they are omnivores, relying food... Mountains have everything and more estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in theSmokies drop their horns and fresh. The Mountain Cougars seem shy and tend to hide from open view Guide to the,... To three feet tall at the shoulder in a few States in the.. Be seen from the Road dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and.. The face of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the Smoky Mountains National provides!
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