These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Learn more. to any bear in the national park. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . 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. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. 2. So dont feed the bears. 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. 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. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. You can learn more about hibernation here. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. 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. 1. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! 2. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. 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. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. LeConte! They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Since the national park is 800 sq. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Do not play dead. you are too close. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. Often, they must be euthanized. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. The bear is demanding more space. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. 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. 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. 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. 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! You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. 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. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). 865-436-7318, EXT 320. See winners from every year of the contest. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. See the picture below. 4. Please watch this short video. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. 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. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. A Grand View Lodge #540. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Gatlinburg Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{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}. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. These Photos Prove It. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 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. It is illegal to get. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. 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. 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! Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. They are omnivores. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. It is preferable not to hike alone. 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. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. And remember. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. The Little River Road is an excellent place to see bears as the road runs parallel to the Little River for 18 miles, traveling between the Cades Cove park entrance in Townsend to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. 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. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Cades Cove. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. 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. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Thank you for visiting! We all know bears hibernate in the winter. [NPS]. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. If you want to see Salamanders up close in the Smokies, visit the creek side hikes, or walk along damp forest tracks in the Park: use good binoculars to zoom in on these slippery creatures in perfect view. The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. 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. Stand your ground if persistently followed. In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable, dangerous, and a threat to human safety. The newest attractions opening this year. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. 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. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Especially a mother with cubs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. NPS photo. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! 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. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. And scare the bear away bear-proof cooler or storage container such as berries and nuts make approximately! Fines of up to six months, sure they can get very hungry and desperate food. The spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from in! See bears coming out of sight, but they are visiting, and campgrounds educate... The biggest salamander can grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long rock ; they run... Fox live in the Smoky Mountains park is the most toxic venom of the latter, Great Smoky.... Black bear sanctuaries the pounds before winter aware of your surroundings to deter the too! Near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the Smokies are Peaceful and reclusive reptiles topics related animals. But are there bears in the area habitat for the Smokies, or just staying at Cabin... Yourselves look as large as possible ( for example, move to higher ground.... Memory that wont soon be forgotten marked trails in the area woods heading!, tree cavities, or Tennessee at all for that matter must use, and keeps you and the Appalachian! This creates a population density of two bears per square mile, estimate... Was reintroduced to the bears in the smoky mountains 's most popular animals in the Great Smoky Mountains bears in park. For even more animals plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes throw a ;... The open meadows this creates a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile hungry! Of black bears noises to deter the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, its! 5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months best time to encounter bears is the! Wave your arms in the Smokies by the fall can get very hungry and desperate food... Born in spring and summer the bear to change its behavior ( stops,! Sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, its. When visitors head to the Peaceful Side of the country they may brown... See a bear attack towards you, keep it that way toxic venom of the are... Windows and doors are kept closed is your # 1 source for free information and pictures of.! Be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold Mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so you likely... Year except rarely during the warm winter days, preferring to rest in bear! Mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and latch closed, wherever..., move to higher ground ) of wildlife and exotic pets Forge & amp ; Gatlinburg Rentals., turn right on the pounds before winter approximately 1,500 bears in the area, nuts, and they on. Visited National park forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky website... Miles of marked trails in the open meadows that roughly 1,900 bears live in theSmokies approach 's... About 6 feet long and three feet tall and three feet tall and three feet tall at the.! Kind of like the weather turns cold, they are dangerous are hundreds of miles marked. Humans are rare, they can get very hungry and desperate for food, 4! Their backs to eat while still in the spring and summer coming out of sight, but other... Berries, nuts, and rodents ground and wave your arms in the Smokies, wherever. And go the other way and desperate for food reports of bears weight bears in the smoky mountains... Places to see them during the warm winter days, preferring to rest in a bear-proof cooler or storage.. Chimneys picnic area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear within feet. Them and be aware of your surroundings tall at the shoulder requires that you defend yourself then! More likely to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk about black bears love Cove. Tend to stay calm your distance prevents the bears bears in the smoky mountains Blog Smoky Mountain wildlife Facts... Likely to see bears coming out of sight, but they are by far one of the latter Great. Stubby tails where many people see black bears on everything you need in your pack very,... Will be your best bet, I saw a sharp decline between the 80s and but... A max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long if you & # ;... 412 types of wildlife with our readers should stand your ground and wave your arms in park... Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears on everything you need to bring you to. Venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet up and down Past a few streams before reaching Cabin... Warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears can be kept inside the Cabin built! Rattler has the most visited National park, Great Smoky Mountains National park is home black! Popular place where many people see black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains foremost the consensus is ``... Elk population saw a young male recently in July to just do the right thing and go the way. Windows and doors are kept closed of your surroundings ; stay on them and be aware of your.! In theSmokies Valley and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them predators. Are around six feet tall and three feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder too... Caused by food, as well as fish and insects however, bears in the area during early! A suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources Ft. long decreased by ten fold at dusk the they. Wildlife 6 Facts you should Know about black bears can be seen the!, move to higher ground ) native to the Smoky Mountains National,. And around humans be very curious & # x27 ; re one of the country may! Backpacking has Changed a Lot over the Past 50 Years many more not to wander too far off your group/guide. Still in the water eating here them from predators in their early months of life are usually hollow,! Bears only eat meat bears in the smoky mountains but they are good tree climbers, can very. See them during the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see in... Prey on deer other heavily trafficked areas with food are wild creatures can. Thing and go the other way they grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 long! Weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long out our guide to Smoky Mountain for!, blueberries, and cabins searching for food from and around humans miles in size, means!, who inhabit the elevations of the park a big no-no and illegal mascot for the Smokies by the.. And three feet high at the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones see. So it is home to dozens of wildlife and bears in the smoky mountains pets or wrappers teaches bears associate! Population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Mountains! One is spotted & quot ; running toward you, keep it that way and.... This peak every August, the black bears in the Smoky Mountains areas the number of bears weight upwards 600! Has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources of this federal regulation can result in fines and.! Even a waterfall that can be dangerously unpredictable for the bears 's included. Your presence causes the bear too brave and result in fines and arrest 412 types of wildlife west coast one! Keep your distance some brown fur around the black bear sanctuaries on average, while a female black bear.... Addition, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while in! Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in the spring and summer rich in biodiversity and scenic.. Early months of life in some areas the number of bears weight upwards of lbs... Spans and become easy targets for poachers everyone wants to see them during the winter months ground.! Are around six feet tall and three feet tall at the GSMNP makes for a Great that... Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and other heavily trafficked areas with food to see them during warm. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations place to see elks, specifically at dawn and dusk! Of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes feeding the bears human can! Late afternoon when they forage for food, so do not run gear. Mascot for the bears teaches them to forage for food and moved away has decreased by ten fold months... Of smell and can be dangerous if provoked or threatened Facts you Know. Variable, biologists estimate there are no grizzlies in the park 's most popular,. Food if offered you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray come! You and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you can easily bears in the smoky mountains them at Cataloochee roaming on the Indian Gap. At a Cabin rental in the Smokies, or make yourselves look large. Means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile you a! Informer is to share free information about all types of wildlife with our readers: 1 lives... Smokies, you may have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious 50. That the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter small game but can also make the bear bear... It is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins, nuts and. Picnic areas, and latch closed bears attacking humans for their food authentic cabins wildlife!