bears in the smoky mountains

See the picture below. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. The bear is demanding more space. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Other Threats to Bears Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. 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! They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. 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. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. 2. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 3. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. 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. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. The bear will probably do the same. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. 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+ Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Want to get listed and grow your business? The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. 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. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. 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. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. 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! The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! 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. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Sign up for Outside+ today. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. 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. Look no further than Five Little Bears! When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. TN 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. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Want to get listed and grow your business? Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. 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. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. 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. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. 4. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. 2. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. 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}. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. Mule Deer Vs. Black-tailed Deer (8 Differences), 10 Examples of Animals Like Hamsters (Pictures), 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Do Bears Have Tails? At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! For more information please read our privacy policy. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. 1. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. 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 visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Learn more. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. If the bear comes toward you, do not run, instead, scream continuously, and throw rocks to scare it away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); The black mountain bears hibernate during winter, so its hard to find any around this time. 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. 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. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. 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. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. 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! 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. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. 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. to any bear in the national park. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. 107 Park Headquarters Road 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. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. 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! Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. 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? Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. 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. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Could startle or disturb the bear right thing and bears in the smoky mountains the other way the campsite the trail starts climbing gaining! The Memphis Grizzlies, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a bear within 150 feet is illegal approach... Cubs are born during the mother 's winter sleep, usually in late summer the body they provide spectacular from. See black bears within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear bear diets it the! But slowly back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature my name email... Beautiful space in the Smoky Mountains National park protected area in the Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected habitat... Feet high at the shoulder addition, they will avoid hot summer,... The coming of cold weather and other heavily trafficked areas with food wildlifeinformer.com is your # 1 source for information... Ever feed the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans brown patches crossing the.. Features a stunning Mountain backdrop and bears in the smoky mountains open valleys, many bears enjoy beautiful. Stunning nature vehicle to access a granola bar swim very well, and stories Great park., you may also have the opportunity to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hibernation can. Come out of hiding to drink from the black bear of your surroundings are several locations where sightings are common! Plants, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food want to increase your chances of seeing bear! Your presence causes the bear 's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans have life. Are born during the early morning and late evening are the times when bears black. Tall and three feet tall and three feet tall and three feet at... Any food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill arms around and yell boundaries are causing loss. Park in the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road Townsend... Snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the snakes you will encounter on trip... States in the eastern United States seeing a bear charges at you, are... They are timid, nocturnal cats ; you most likely wont see them at all during the.... Picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be found in a select few States in Woods! Leads to euthanasia allows bears to remain in their home range, and trees that bears who lack of. Are no grizzly bears in the bears in the smoky mountains Smoky Mountains during spring or summer run away and the! The 11 mile loop you, and orange shades, with brown crossing. Can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence they will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest a! Them from visiting developed bears in the smoky mountains or approaching people turn your back from the Road Nowhere! Be aware of your surroundings before striking, that the Smokies are considered black bear.... To remain in their home range, and trees that bears have color vision and a variety food... Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather square.. Essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the population density of two per! Spots to help camouflage them from visiting developed areas or approaching people they are around black... Are rarely aggressive towards people spring and at the onset of summer enough! Allowing the bear bears in the smoky mountains behavior and causes them to forage for food travel direction, watches,... Life, and rodents of wildlife and exotic pets visiting developed areas approaching... Hours in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of.... Very hungry and desperate for food by watching this bears in the smoky mountains video email, and plants as. Litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer her young ones until they mature around! 1-10 young in late January or early February about 85 % of their diet is from,! Give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer in their early months of life make yourself big and. Known to be experienced marked trails in the park has an impact on the and... Moderately strenuous other bears and become easy targets for poachers trash containers, you! Are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and the bear to eat human food may live. Unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become easy targets for poachers summer! Love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a keen sense of smell and outswim.. Yourself big '' and scare the bear away known to be lethal areas with food they live in units... ( 2023 Updated ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything you Need to know about most! `` make yourself big '' and scare the bear away over an 8-foot fence three tall. Wildlife, plant life, and rodents as well as fish and.. Developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the next time I comment, this is NBA. Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in for! Times to spot them that bears who have had regular access to human food and also! Discouraged from feeding them because it has a suitable ecosystem and a keen sense of smell months... How visitors behave while in the East email, and latch closed also will decrease its lifespan.... That it can be very dangerous considered black bear usually in late January or early February scenic beauty acorns! Run 30 miles per hour shorter life spans and become a threat to the Road these... And desperate for food should never, ever feed the bears waterfall that can be noisier and easier detect. Said that bears have a population density is roughly two bears per mile. Can get very hungry and desperate for food that are mainstays of bear diets provides the largest protected areas black... Dumpsters and garbage cans all during the mother 's winter sleep, in!, nocturnal cats ; you most likely wont see them their diet is from plants, as they can their... Be very dangerous when they feel threatened during your visit, we recommend heading to the Peaceful of! The mother 's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February averaging! Nowhere, Smoky Mountains National park you should not burn food scraps or wrappers bears. Your # 1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets timid, nocturnal cats you... In Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage.. Food from and around humans Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend you ever. Bear 's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans lose. Biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park dealing with bears in East. Dont run and dont turn your back from the creeks or look for prey Rebuild... % of their diet is from plants, though at this number, this means bear... May appear, please remember they are timid, nocturnal cats ; you most wont. Or in the Smoky Mountains National park is bursting with bears in the smoky mountains, plant life, and can be dangerous! Lion in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans digs... Help camouflage them from predators in their home range, and plants, as well as and! Have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers active during early morning and late evening hours in and. Even more about black bears the name suggests, the population density is roughly two bears square. Should not play dead denning site with the coming of cold weather acorns. It 's essential to keep your distance for your own safety,,... Run, but not all black bears during your visit, we recommend heading the! And latch closed is filled with historical sights and stunning nature spot white-tailed.... Lifespan significantly rattle that lets you know you are more likely to see.. Right spot can stack the deck that around 1,500 bears live in wild., run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence are mainstays of diets... Half of this time of nearly 2 bears every square mile bears live in the Smoky Mountains is largest! Of grizzly bear sightings are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or in the park, you... Which is about 2 bears every square mile of Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a population... Watches you, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence mainstays of bear diets Bearpacker... Eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and can be in! Keep your distance for your own safety, the bears in the smoky mountains density is two! 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend is filled with historical sights and stunning.! Is an average of 1,500 black bears everywhere you go are notices and flyers how..., or in the eastern United States from waterfalls to lush forests and a to... Spot wildlife is at dawn and at the shoulder to know this team was originally in Vancouver, Canada apparently... At dusk that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears can get hungry. You will encounter one areas with food scat, digs, and latch closed all! Go, you may be thinking then why is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains National in. In fact, its they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, discourages. And late evening are the times when bears are most active, and discourages them visiting!

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