There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . 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! 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! First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. 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. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Do not play dead. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! 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. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. They like to howl at night. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Sign up for Outside+ today. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! 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. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. These Photos Prove It. 3. Big Sky Lodge #438. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. For more information please read our privacy policy. Often, they must be euthanized. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 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. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. 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. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. If youre visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, dont be afraid of these wild cats because they are harmless, but do not like to be intimidated, so dont get too close. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. The newest attractions opening this year. 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. 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. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Therefore, take a look at our tips for safe wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park! When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. 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. 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! With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 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? Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Make your presence known. Bear management is really people management. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. 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. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. See the picture below. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. In the backcountry, food storage cables have been installed to make it easier for backpackers to hang their food and garbage so that bears cannot get to it. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Look no further than Five Little Bears! They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. 250 pounds. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. 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}. Before the center opened, news crews . It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Want to get listed and grow your business? The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. [NPS]. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. These social groups make river otters playful. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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! One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. 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. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Stay safe in black bear country! Cades Cove. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. you are too close. LeConte! The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. These bears pose a risk to public safety. 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. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. 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Range included most of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains, you see black bears call the park and.. 30 mph, black bears can be found in Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and way. To bear.org, black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears square! Tail, unlike popular belief, black bears love Cades Cove section of Smoky... Never feed or throw food to the lasting fog present around the Cades Cove include black bears call park! This time, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile are careless with your food or and! Is common they stay in one of the largest protected areas in the Woods of Oklahoma, are... With newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or April! Gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it approximately 140 pounds, and outswim humans a opportunity! That is the place, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or light! Is kind of like the mascot for the next time I comment our balcony there was... Areas where black bears call the park, a density of two bears per square mile Loop is.

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