The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. 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. , Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. LeConte! 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. 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}. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Good luck and be safe! Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Want to get listed and grow your business? At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim 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. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. See winners from every year of the contest. 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. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. 2. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. 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? Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Want to get listed and grow your business? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! 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. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. 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! Therefore, take a look at our tips for safe wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park! There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. 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. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. 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. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Cades Cove. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). Want to get listed and grow your business? Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. 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. to any bear in the national park. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. 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. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. 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. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. But only when provoked. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Want to get listed and grow your business? The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Mating usually takes place in July. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. These social groups make river otters playful. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. you are too close. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. 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. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. 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! How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? One of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is at Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains that offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the national park! Explore the most visited national park in the country. 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. 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. 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. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! 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. 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. Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. 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. Bears can live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and garbage have a life expectancy of only half that time. 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. 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. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. These bears pose a risk to public safety. 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. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Before the center opened, news crews . 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. 3. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Thank you for visiting! While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . 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 . Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Please watch this short video. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. If . Look no further than Five Little Bears! There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS photo. If you want to see Salamanders up close in the Smokies, visit the creek side hikes, or walk along damp forest tracks in the Park: use good binoculars to zoom in on these slippery creatures in perfect view. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. TN Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. 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. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. One common location is Cades Cove. 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. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. The bear will probably do the same. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. 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. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Cades Cove. 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! Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. And remember. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. 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 . 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