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 Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. These Photos Prove It. 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. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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! For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. Do not play dead. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! 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. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. 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. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. 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. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. If . The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. 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. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. These social groups make river otters playful. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. You may be thinking then why is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies? This team was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings. 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. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Other Threats to Bears The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. 4. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. 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. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. A Grand View Lodge #540. 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. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. 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. 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. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Watch. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! 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. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Absolutely not. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. These bears pose a risk to public safety. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. , Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. These cats hunt small deers, rabbits, rodents, and birds as prey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Bobcats are solitary animals and prefer to establish their territories and use scents to mark them against prowlers. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. 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. Since the national park is 800 sq. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. If the bear comes toward you, do not run, instead, scream continuously, and throw rocks to scare it away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); The black mountain bears hibernate during winter, so its hard to find any around this time. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. Garbage Kills Bears! If you brought it with you, then pack it out! The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Often, they must be euthanized. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Bear management is really people management. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. It is preferable not to hike alone. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Gatlinburg With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Stand your ground if persistently followed. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. 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