We all know bears hibernate in the winter. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 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}. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Cades Cove. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. These bears pose a risk to public safety. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. A Grand View Lodge #540. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Good luck and be safe! You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. 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. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. 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. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. 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. 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. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. 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. On colder days, bears will wake up and wander away for a little bit before heading back to their den to sleep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); If you want to see black bears up close, the best way to do it is via binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. 4. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but its important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Want to get listed and grow your business? Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Thank you for visiting! This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Here is how you should act when visiting the park. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! 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. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Please watch this short video. 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! Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. 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. 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. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Increase the distance between you and the bear. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Please use them to dispose of garbage. And remember. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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? During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. In 2006, biologists estimated that the bear population in the national park was around 1,500, which means there is an average of two bears every square mile. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). Cades Cove. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. 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. , 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 . 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 . Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. For more information please read our privacy policy. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 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. 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. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. as adults. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Always respect bears and give them space. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. Act together as a group if you have companions. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Since the national park is 800 sq. 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. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. to any bear in the national park. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. 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. The newest attractions opening this year. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. See the picture below. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. 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. [NPS]. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. 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. 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. On August 21, 2017 the western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will lie within the path of totalit How well do you know our Smoky Mountain home? They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. 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. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. 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}. Mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well away! 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