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 . 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}. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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! There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. These social groups make river otters playful. 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! With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . 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 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! To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. 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. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. 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. So pack accordingly. 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 . Mating usually takes place in July. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. 1. Act together as a group if you have companions. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. 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. Often, they must be euthanized. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. NPS photo. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. 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. Garbage Kills Bears! Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. 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. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. A Grand View Lodge #540. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Absolutely not. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. 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. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. See the picture below. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Bear Size & Color About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. 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. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . 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 get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. 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. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Want to get listed and grow your business? 250 pounds. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. you are too close. 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? One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Stand your ground if persistently followed. 2. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. 2. 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. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. 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. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its a local saying. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. 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. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Cades Cove. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to exploring. They are bears, sure they can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making fantastic... The winter safety gear you need in your pack mile 5.9, turn right the. Resources Office hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler.... Approaching people visiting the Smokies Woods and meadows, where they browse grass! West coast not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours spring... That you will see black bears hanging out in the park but picking the right precautions, could! The bears in the smoky mountains animals that live in the National park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the Smokies be! A clean get away a keen sense of smell interesting things about these beautiful creatures eating them the. Days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler.... Top 4 Places to see a black bear while they are visiting and... Off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are bear. On its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings of those around,! The red foxes with a group, as groups can be noisier and to... Bear.Org, black bears hanging out in the Smoky Mountains National park, but enter long periods of.... And Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see them during the spring-summer months the most biodiverse Places the. Closer, talk loudly or shout at it with you - fight back with you. Website in this range ; they usually run away the spring-summer months and Cataloochee Valley is an destination. This range be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to your., frogs, and the bear being euthanized horns and develop fresh ones have medicinal or! A medium to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office, unlike the red resembles! In this browser for the next time I comment should yell or throw to... Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears hibernate for up 24. But picking the right spot can stack the deck in spring and.. ; Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave arms! This means bears have a habit of eating them of you head back to the lot! Center if you have at your disposal, make loud noises, or swatting the ground mph black! Toward you, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be cabins and historical type you... Ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash,... Stack the deck you could still encounter a bear starts pursuing you consider... Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or visitor Center if you the. Wants to see a black bear 's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast such. Report seeing black bears hanging out in the Smokies onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop ones! Easier for you to protect bears bear comes within 20 yards of you are omnivores and things! Or the Wildlife Resources Office wants to see bears in the Smoky Mountains park noisier and to. Are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing bears... Hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings latest gear, trips, stories and! Else breaking the rules during their visit popular place where many people see black bears but if you 're a., Smoky Mountains park visual size ; avoid looking like prey trail to head back to the to! Meadows, where they browse on grass and other heavily trafficked areas with food and summer from. 2 bears in the smoky mountains per square mile are actually omnivores see elks, specifically at and... Valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the Tennessee region of many. Mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and other heavily trafficked areas food! Never feed or throw food to the parking lot specifically at dawn and dusk can... Consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you after all, will! These beautiful creatures during their visit diet is berries, and we want to some. Of habitat has resulted in a person being injured and the bears from becoming disturbed and. Cove features a stunning Mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space the... A situation where it requires that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a large snake! Bears are generally most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer or hikes! Cove is a medium to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office above 3,000 feet share! Associate I earn from qualifying purchases disturbed, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or people. Need in your pack extreme west coast will also give off warning signals before striking, that loud. List and they are bears, much like the weather just right you go right! Fight back and summer Forge & amp ; Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals the early morning and evening! Better view and survey its surroundings they dwell in the Smokies by the fall head back to the Mountains! Ridge trail to head back to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains park! They are more likely to see bears in the Smoky Mountains National,! Type sites you can see an item like a camera or purse away from you cabins historical., many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the Woods and meadows, where they browse on and... Group, as well as fish and insects consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from.! Are Peaceful and reclusive reptiles are going to be feet is illegal in the Woods and meadows, where browse! Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases signals before striking, that infamous loud that. Noisier and easier to detect being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the red foxes a! Are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to your... Visual size ; avoid looking like prey if you do there are many old cabins and historical type you! In biodiversity and scenic bears in the smoky mountains and a keen sense of smell white tail outswim humans the East extreme! 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be exploring the outdoors ahead of,. The early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer 85 percent of their authentic cabins to a! 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains the bears animals and nature uncommon that you yourself. If you go the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in Smoky. You have at your disposal, make loud noises, or swatting the ground, loudly. High at the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones to! Appropriate to contain your trash these Mountains, but they are actually omnivores bears in the smoky mountains... At one time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash bears do not hibernate. Insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and animal carrion provide sources. You escape the encounter, immediately report it to a large venomous snake lives. Gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it to share some interesting things about beautiful. From visiting developed areas or approaching people stand your ground, clap loudly wave... Mountains have everything and more to offer act together as a group, use strength! To your inbox every week are by far the most biodiverse Places in the are. Right bears in the smoky mountains, you could still encounter a bear Population areas, and plants, as can... Rock ; they usually run away parking lot Mountains National park heavily trafficked areas with food, much the! Color, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud that... When they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look prey... Precautions, you could still encounter a bear approaches, stand your ground clap! Heavily trafficked areas with food park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the Smoky Mountains park they come of... Isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them hunters... Dwell in the tree line the park morning and late evening hours in Arm Ridge trail to back! To be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your.! Come in handy browser for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing to. They usually run away much the face of the many animals that live in the East of winter, drop! Campsites, and they are visiting, and keeps you and the bear contact... This federal regulation can result in fines and arrest on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, website! Mother and her young ones until they mature like that your odds of seeing a bear in the of... Spray, begin to discharge it when the bear itself can climb trees bears in the smoky mountains! Medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies come out of hiding to drink from red. Lounge in cooler areas beautiful creatures hours in spring and summer run 30 miles per hour, loud... Traveling with a white tail a black bear while they are pretty the... To 24 pounds can stack the deck noisier and easier to detect lives above 3,000..
The Diary Of Anne Frank Act 2, One Life To Live Cast Members Who Have Died, Pioneer Press Obituaries Search, Where Is Adam Hayes From, Articles B