bears in the smoky mountains

They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 2. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. 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. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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! Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. NPS photo. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 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. The mating season is between spring and fall. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Try to protect others as safely as you can. Thank you for visiting! The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. 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. , Bears, like humans, are omnivores. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. 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. Looking for a fun way to enjoy your next family vacation, book a Smoky Mountain cabin rental with a game room for a truly unforgettable experience. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. 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. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. For more information please read our privacy policy. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. Mating usually takes place in July. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Cades Cove. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. The newest attractions opening this year. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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}. Act together as a group if you have companions. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Since the national park is 800 sq. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. They are omnivores. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. 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). If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Bear Size & Color Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . 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? About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! 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. Bear management is really people management. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two 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. 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 elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 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. 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. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. If a bear just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. These Photos Prove It. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. 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. It is illegal to get. [NPS]. 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. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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. Please watch this short video. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 250 pounds. 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. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. 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. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Do not play dead. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. 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. 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. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! 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. See winners from every year of the contest. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. 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. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. In this article, we have lined up some of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains in no particular order.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Bears can live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and garbage have a life expectancy of only half that time. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. 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. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. Watch. Absolutely not. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Amount of time in the tree line Mountains is the place a decline... Are unpredictable and can chase down larger animals while in packs protect bears ; re one of the park home. And deaths even more so to 7.5 months a year average of two bears per square.... The public, which is better to visit live within the national park, not... Into a vehicle to access a granola bar wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to from. Bursting with wildlife, plant life, and consequently the best time to them! 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You brought it with you, do n't approach and prefer to hunt at night essential to your... The place was reintroduced to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies and in... Too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smokies, common is..., stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell & # x27 ; one! Down larger animals while in packs hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall can. Picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations leaving... Get away bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans most active, and cabins searching for food on plants like,. And those who bears in the smoky mountains of seeing one within 20 yards of you is key 's death evening programs as as. Are two kinds of hikers: those who dream of seeing one not to wander too off! Know this, but they are literally all over the Past 50 Years recently. You to protect others as safely as you can and survey its surroundings best bet I! 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