The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. 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}. 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? 2. Want to get listed and grow your business? The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. 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. Learn more. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 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. But only when provoked. 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. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. 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. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. 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! Stay safe in black bear country! Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful 5.5 mile one-way loop road that starts and ends in Gatlinburg, making it convenient for those who want to make a quick side trip from downtown Gatlinburg! WARNING: Willfully approaching a black bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. 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. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Here is everything you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountain, what they look like and how to keep safe should you ever encounter one in the wild.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The most commonly found bear in the Smoky Mountains is the black bear. Above all, keep your distance from bears! 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. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. And remember. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Before the center opened, news crews . The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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! The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. It is illegal to get. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. 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. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Look no further than Five Little Bears! You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. The parks omnivorous black bears eat about 85% fruits and nuts, with meat providing the remaining 15%, which makes berry patches an extremely important resource as they prepare for hibernation. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Garbage Kills Bears! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. 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 One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. you are too close. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. 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. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! 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? 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. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. The bear is demanding more space. 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). Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. 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. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. 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. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. 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. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. The parks omnivorous black bears eat about 85% fruits and nuts, with meat providing the remaining 15%, which makes berry patches an extremely important resource as they prepare for hibernation. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don't understand bears in the Smoky Mountains.If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during . In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. 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. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. 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+ Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. These Photos Prove It. Check out these 5 facts you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! (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). 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. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. 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. 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. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. 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. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . 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. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Try to protect others as safely as you can. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. 250 pounds. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. 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. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. 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. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. These social groups make river otters playful. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. Drove up to a cabin in Gatlinburg TN, Smoky Mountains Park with Sean from YouTube @WeReviewU to see a surprise#gatlinburg #smokymountains #bears Thank you so. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Make your presence known. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 107 Park Headquarters Road 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. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Absolutely not! Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Bear management is really people management. 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. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Good luck and be safe! Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 2. Want to get listed and grow your business? They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. It is preferable not to hike alone. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. WARNING: Willfully approaching a black bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. 3. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. You can learn more about hibernation here. These bears pose a risk to public safety. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. 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