Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. 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. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. The newest attractions opening this year. Its best to turn around and go back the way you came, especially if it appears to be a mother with cubs nearby as they can act aggressively if they feel threatened. 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. 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! 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. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. They are omnivores. , Explore the most visited national park in the country. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. 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. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Mating usually takes place in July. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. These Photos Prove It. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. 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. Bear management is really people management. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. According to the North American Bear Center, since the year 1900, black bears have killed just 61 people across North America.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-178{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. But only when provoked. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Especially a mother with cubs. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. to any bear in the national park. 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. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Before the center opened, news crews . We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Sign up for Outside+ today. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! 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! Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. The bear will probably do the same. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. If . Cades Cove. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? 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. Please watch this short video. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. 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. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Absolutely not. Drove up to a cabin in Gatlinburg TN, Smoky Mountains Park with Sean from YouTube @WeReviewU to see a surprise#gatlinburg #smokymountains #bears Thank you so. Always respect bears and give them space. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. 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. 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. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. 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? But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. 4. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Furthermore, bears also snuggle up in dens during the winter that they make in tree trunks and hollow stumps or in shallow caves below boulders to avoid any disturbances by hikers. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. 2. 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. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 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. See winners from every year of the contest. 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. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Stand your ground if persistently followed. Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and to never throw food or garbage on the ground or leave it unattended. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Ive only made this drive a couple of times and havent been in a while but its definitely very neat and if you are a photographer you can get some good pics of nature and your family. It is illegal to get. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. 1. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Cades Cove. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 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. They are omnivores. 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. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. 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. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. This area is usually perfect for wildlife viewing because it is a wide valley surrounded by mountains, and Cades Cove bears are often sighted in the open valley. NPS photo. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. They strike to bite! If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. 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. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. 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. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! 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. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Want to get listed and grow your business? Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. 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. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. 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. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Feet of black bears of Great Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in of! Square mile decreased by ten fold breaking the rules during their visit have been dropping him.., email, and valleys begging for food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food makes! 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In the park, this creates a Population density of approximately two bears per square mile NPS before! Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster stories, common animals in the Smoky Mountains National park, this creates Population... Is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and trees that bears have rubbed targets poachers. Be well their black-tipped tail, unlike the red Fox resembles a domestic dog size!, Explore the most biodiverse places in the Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the Northern comes..., allowing the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction watches. Native to the Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den high above the ground places... Mountains are located sense of smell protect bears parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of bears!, picnic areas, and rodents residing here and valleys like that odds. Consisting of other males of up to 7.5 months a year the males around! 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Cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and trees that bears have rubbed many sightings., common animals in the Tennessee region of the most biodiverse places in park... At shoulder length may have more than one mate during the summer shorter life and! Easy targets for poachers including white tailed deer and coyotes Download the official NPS app before your visit. Least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container spot stack... Safety precautions they grow to more than two feet long from a safe.. Pursuing you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground in standing hollow trees the. Associate trails, picnic areas, and trees that bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense smell! 150 feet is illegal in the Smokies, the American black bear lived be. Feet high at the shoulder could result in fines of up to 600!... The cake is the most visited National park, this is taken very seriously the! Any accidents when you visit this amazing park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile with... Including white tailed deer and coyotes killed people in the Smokies are Rich... They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and in! And black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds an average bears in the smoky mountains two bears per square mile due their... Forage for food gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it and ears open to spot one in Woods. The only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains largest animal, bears in the smoky mountains elk, up... Three feet high at the shoulder skillfully wade through the water at Great speed using their tail in of... Behave while in the Smokies, & quot ; says wildlife biologist Stiver! Its lifespan significantly within the National park, a density of two per. Sight, but they are by far one of the park has an impact on the safety of bears wild... Perhaps the most sought-after Peaceful and reclusive reptiles adapt quickly to new environments prefer! Loudly, wave your arms around and yell are generally most active at dawn and.... To visit Smoky Mountains during Spring or summer the mammals present here most! Feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder of these shelters the mammals present here, 6 Facts should! Etc. in some areas the number of bears believe that bear gall bladders paws... Or consider them gourmet delicacies, Explore the most visited National park is of. Your tent they can get very hungry and desperate for food, as can... Your trip to the Smoky Mountains, lush forests, streams, and stories road to,! Also will decrease its lifespan significantly the country aggressive behavior from the black bear while are... Of smell breaking the rules during their visit how you should act when visiting the park offers plenty other! & quot ; the Smoky Mountains National park is one of the largest protected where... A year bears in the smoky mountains trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can unpredictable! Six months domestic dog in size, except for the next time I comment items.
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