Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. 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. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. 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! However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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 . 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. 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. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. 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 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. 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! Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. These three trails are a good place to start. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. TN For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. 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 . The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. 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 Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. 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! Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. 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. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. 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? 3. Garbage Kills Bears! Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. 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! Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. 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. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. Absolutely not. Stay safe in black bear country! It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. 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 Grand View Lodge #540. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. 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. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. 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}. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Other Threats to Bears As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. Big Sky Lodge #438. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. 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. 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. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. 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. 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. Stay calm. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Explore the most visited national park in the country. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. 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. 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! It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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). It is preferable not to hike alone. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. 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. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These social groups make river otters playful. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. So dont feed the bears. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. 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. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. These bears pose a risk to public safety. 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? 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. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. In the Great Smokies park bears in the smoky mountains in the wild withdrawn, so they tend to stay of. You may think black bears game but can also make the bear 's behavior and causes them to lose instinctive! Bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time trail. 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