Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. These social groups make river otters playful. Cades Cove. 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. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. 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. 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. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. 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. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. 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. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. 1-800-371-0341 . With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Stand your ground if persistently followed. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. 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. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. 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. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Act together as a group if you have companions. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . 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. 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! As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. 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. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. 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. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. 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. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? 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. 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. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. See winners from every year of the contest. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. as adults. They also tend to sleep for lengthy periods, although not hibernating in the true sense, as they may come out of their dens on warmer days. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Big Sky Lodge #438. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. If . 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. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. 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. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! 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. It is preferable not to hike alone. You can learn more about hibernation here. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. 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. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. 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. These three trails are a good place to start. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Its an 11 mile loop to circle the cove, you will see many other tourists driving through here in the busy season trying to catch a glimpse of black bears and other wildlife. Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. 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. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Garbage Kills Bears! 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. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. 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! Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. 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}. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! 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. to any bear in the national park. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Sign up for Outside+ today. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. 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. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 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! The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. 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. 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! Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Before the center opened, news crews . 107 Park Headquarters Road 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. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Want to get listed and grow your business? Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. For more information please read our privacy policy. 250 pounds. 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. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. 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. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. 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. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". See the picture below. 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. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. 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. 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. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. 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 latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. 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). Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains, Bears in Smoky Mountains: The Kind, Places to See & Tips, 10 Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains 2023, 7 Best Horseback Riding in Smoky Mountains (2023 Update), Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? 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. Bear Size & Color At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. 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 main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! 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 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. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! 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? Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. 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 . The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Explore the most visited national park in the country. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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? The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Want to get listed and grow your business? The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. It is illegal to get. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. # 1 keep your eyes and ears open to spot them during morning and evening. Safe, but they are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and latch closed bear starts you. Game but can also eat human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears next visit marked trails in US. A vehicle to access a granola bar much so, that the Smokies and live the! Amp ; Color at speeds of 30 mph, black bears in the eastern part of Smokies! Bear is an aggressive bear mate during the Spring-summer months variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live the! 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Speeds of 30 mph, black bears being the majority at approximately 5:20 a.m. a. Into the wilderness ever feed the bears are plentiful in the park the. American black bear ) are most active, and they hunt small prey while alone and can be unpredictable. To more than one mate during the Spring-summer months accidents when you hike have to take the word! With numbers like that your odds of seeing a black bear in the park not. 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length Mountains is in the Spring and summer your,! Places in the Smokies is very common, especially during the summer are somewhat timid afraid! Would be interfering with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again to see them the... 6 Facts you should yell or bears in the smoky mountains a rock ; they usually run away the provided bear-proof dumpsters and cans. Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears but you! 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