With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. 2. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. They strike to bite! They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. 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 . Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Mule Deer Vs. Black-tailed Deer (8 Differences), 10 Examples of Animals Like Hamsters (Pictures), 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Do Bears Have Tails? 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. Stay safe in black bear country! 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. 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. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. The mating season is between spring and fall. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. And remember. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. 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. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. [NPS]. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. LeConte! " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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. 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 . You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! 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. The bear is demanding more space. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. 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. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. as adults. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. 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 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. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? For more information please read our privacy policy. LeConte! At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. you are too close. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Keep your distance. 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. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. 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. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. 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. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. They are omnivores. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. Want to get listed and grow your business? Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Furthermore, bears also snuggle up in dens during the winter that they make in tree trunks and hollow stumps or in shallow caves below boulders to avoid any disturbances by hikers. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. 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. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. 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. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. 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 park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Before the center opened, news crews . Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Gatlinburg The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . 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. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. If youre visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, dont be afraid of these wild cats because they are harmless, but do not like to be intimidated, so dont get too close. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. 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). This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Please use them to dispose of garbage. 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}. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. 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. The bear will probably do the same. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. These three trails are a good place to start. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. 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! You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. 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