Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. 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. Thank you for visiting! Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Want to get listed and grow your business? About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. 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}. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. 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. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. They are omnivores. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. They like to howl at night. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. See winners from every year of the contest. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! They strike to bite! Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Bear management is really people management. 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. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. 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. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. 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. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. 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. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. 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. The mating season is between spring and fall. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Wild apples dot the fields of this historic town and the surrounding woods, providing a valuable food source for several different wildlife species, including bears. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. 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. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. 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. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Stay calm. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Before the center opened, news crews . Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. NPS photo. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. But only when provoked. Watch. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. 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! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. 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 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. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. 4. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Cades Cove. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. A Grand View Lodge #540. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Good luck and be safe! They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. 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. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. Of course it most likely would never come to this as bears as long as you follow these basic guidelines for bear encounters, but maybe better safe than sorry? Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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