Before the center opened, news crews . Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 2. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Mating usually takes place in July. See the picture below. 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 idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. You can learn more about hibernation here. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Act together as a group if you have companions. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Want to get listed and grow your business? Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. 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. 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. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. 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. Watch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. 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. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. 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. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. Want to get listed and grow your business? It is preferable not to hike alone. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 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 may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Good luck and be safe! If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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}. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. 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! 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. 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. While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Cades Cove. 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. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. to any bear in the national park. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Learn more. 4. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. These bears pose a risk to public safety. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Both species are elusive and nocturnal. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. 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. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 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. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. See winners from every year of the contest. 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 . Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? They are omnivores. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 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? It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Thank you for visiting! When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Cades Cove. [NPS]. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 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. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. 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! 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. 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. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. 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