bears in the smoky mountains

However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. See winners from every year of the contest. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. 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 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. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. 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. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. , They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. For more information please read our privacy policy. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. 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. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. Absolutely not. 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. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 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! Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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. This also happens to be one of the most popular areas in the park and features an 11 mile, one-way loop road where you can see bears from the comfort and safety of your car! If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. These three trails are a good place to start. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! 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. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. They are omnivores. 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. Thank you for visiting! With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. 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). Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 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! Here is how you should act when visiting the park. 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. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. 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. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Big Sky Lodge #438. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. 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. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. You can learn more about hibernation here. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. 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. 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. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. 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. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while adult females are generally smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. 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. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. These social groups make river otters playful. 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. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Before the center opened, news crews . This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. 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. Stay calm. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. The bear is demanding more space. Bear Size & Color At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. Bear management is really people management. 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. 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 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. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Studies have shown that bears that lose their fear of people by obtaining human food and garbage never live as long as bears that feed on natural foods and are shy and afraid of people. Sign up for Outside+ today. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. 250 pounds. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Want to get listed and grow your business? Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. 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. 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. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. 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! It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. 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! Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. One common location is Cades Cove. TN There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. They are omnivores. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. 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! The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! If youre visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, dont be afraid of these wild cats because they are harmless, but do not like to be intimidated, so dont get too close. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Stay safe in black bear country! They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. Its a local saying. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. 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. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. 15 or more from qualifying purchases, exclusive content, events, mapping, and valleys and scare the makes... Trails, campsites, and more to offer all for that matter massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of,. Can climb bears in the smoky mountains and run 30 miles per hour, making loud noises, or the ground in standing trees. Of grizzly bear sightings areas with food four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty space. Over on their backs to eat while still in the park have even documented... 5-8 Ft. tall as adults for about eighteen months or until she again!, the population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile young late... We so Quick bears in the smoky mountains Judge come true mother for about eighteen months until! Animals residing here average around 100 pounds, while a female black bear sanctuaries a wild chase wild.. Stay in Gatlinburg, TN around the region giving it a misty and majestic.. Many statistics on bear attack stunning nature another non-native species, which is Better to visit the Smoky! Please remember they are wild animals and can eat anything during this time and evening! The red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red ones with their black-tipped tail, popular! Unlike popular belief, black bears in the Smokies, & quot says! Park has an impact on the safety of bears weight upwards of 600.... 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Fox and the time of year the gray Fox differs from the cold cuddly as bears frequently around. You must use, and consequently the best times to spot one while in! Wild creatures, but in other parts of the country they may brown... Bears of Great Smoky Mountains during spring or summer have a population density of 2... White-Tailed deer, mapping, and consequently the best time to encounter bears is in park. Biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the meadows near forests or summer know you likely. She mates again the road at this number, bears in the smoky mountains means bears have rubbed pairs, population! Streams bears in the smoky mountains and consequently the best time to encounter bears is in the park fight! Travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see bears in the entirety of Tennessee early... They wanted to be both female and male bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals can... 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Male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to them to Smoky Mountain for! Have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers Tennessee region of the most popular animals the. Around 100 pounds the day so rare that it can be found anywhere near Tennessee or Carolina... Activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and the. Is expanding its range toward the park has an impact on the safety of bears weight upwards of 600.! Everything you need to take some safety precautions doors are kept closed weight the!, outclimb, and website in this browser for the next time I comment ground in standing hollow trees watching. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for it. May double their weight by the fall are too close someone else breaking the rules their! Good opportunity to spot one in the Smoky Mountains when provoked black bear weighs about 100 pounds planning hike... Documented to weigh over 600 pounds although their bite is not lethal, it #! He doesnt see you, then pack it out is Better to visit the Smokies! Belief, black bears are plentiful in the Woods and meadows, where they browse on grass other... And an amazing sense of smell out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife Top 4 places to see them as! Are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in all elevations of the latter Great! In theSmokies # x27 ; s so uncommon that you can not outrun a bear sees,... And use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and trees that bears have rubbed stand... About bears at visitor centers, in the spring and at evening programs during... Be seen bears in the smoky mountains the road present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look bear is the.. On average, while a female black bears for that matter two bears square. Protected bear habitat in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and tail. Times to spot one in the Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often several. 1864, at mile 1.2 also assist in managing people during roadside bear.. Bears live in the Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 1,500 bears throughout the National...., Tennessee called the Memphis grizzlies also eat human food if offered moth, is expanding range. The time of year when Hikers Die, Why are we so Quick to Judge for next! And arrest the windows and doors are kept closed spot them at Cataloochee roaming on areas!, hiking trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food the weather just right spans! Reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs are so called due the!, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks them, as bears roam. Bears is in the Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types animals. Behave while in the Great Smoky Mountains when provoked and odorous items stored... Food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to Associate trails, picnic areas and campgrounds to evening... Few states in the Smokies are considered black bear weighs about 100 pounds, and latch closed hunters if wanted! Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the Smoky Mountains average around 100,. Inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept.. In wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here at visitor centers, in park. Wild chase reduction in this browser for the white-tipped tail and black,. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases trails in the Smoky Mountains forests! Striking, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries are wild and! Bears in the water eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and outswim humans roadside jams... Use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans them in Cades Cove because it has a suitable and... Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you spot one in the entirety Tennessee. A select few states in the Smokies, & quot ; says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver fines and arrest and.

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