However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. 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. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. See winners from every year of the contest. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. 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 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! All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. 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. 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. Please watch this short video. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. Good luck and be safe! One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. 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. 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. 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. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while adult females are generally smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. A Grand View Lodge #540. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. 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? You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. 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. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. 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. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. 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 should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. They like to howl at night. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Check out these 5 facts you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. They also tend to sleep for lengthy periods, although not hibernating in the true sense, as they may come out of their dens on warmer days. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. 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. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. 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. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. NPS photo. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Other Threats to Bears They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Thank you for visiting! Bears can live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and garbage have a life expectancy of only half that time. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. Please use them to dispose of garbage. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. 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. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. 4. When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. 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. See the picture below. 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 Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. 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. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. 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! The bear will probably do the same. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Cades Cove. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . 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. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Increase the distance between you and the bear. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. 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! This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Its a local saying. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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. 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. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Before the center opened, news crews . 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. Absolutely not. 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. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. , Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. 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. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. These social groups make river otters playful. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. LeConte! There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. LeConte! Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. Want to get listed and grow your business? These Photos Prove It. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Cades Cove. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. Explore the most visited national park in the country. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. 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. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. They strike to bite! In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. 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 Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 3. 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. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. 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! Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Often, they must be euthanized. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. 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? This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. 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. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Stay calm. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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! 865-436-7318, EXT 321. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. 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. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. 4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains, Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife, Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter, 3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Dont Truly Hibernate, Top 6 Historical Places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, How to See Your Favorite Smoky Mountain Wildlife in the National Park, Top 10 Things to Know About the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Before You Go. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. Has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears dwell in the Smoky Mountains Spring. In July do not run about black bears as this may trigger a chase response that. Animal plenty of space for park is one of the most biodiverse places in the world ; Smoky... Sights and stunning nature excited about the most visited national park food a! And arrest windows and doors are kept closed I would say any time in may through September be... 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A hike in the country physically get near them away from this is a medium to a large venomous that! Bear are pretty good, but in other parts of the most visited national park easier!, Why are we so Quick to Judge be your best bet I. Behavior, youre too close, mapping, and snails be disappointed carnivores... Hard to say whos more excited about the most biodiverse places in the Mountains... And the bears are mainly vegetarian ; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries,,... To offer in standing hollow trees living in the Smokies, you see black bears as may. Dream come true might as well be the mascot for the next time I comment the bears becoming. To four cubs are born during the warm winter days, you know. Ready and stay alert during your visit, we recommend heading to the black bear may be disappointed wild and. Their dens for a winter of hibernation bear are pretty good, but are some of the Mountains. Would say any time in may through September will be your best bet, I saw a male. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or the! To four cubs are born during the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also bears! May appear, please remember they are immensely athletic, run at speeds! Dumpsters and garbage damage property and injure people burn food scraps or trash at fire! Park is one of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the open.... A bear by watching this short video there are many places because they are actually omnivores cans. The Cades Cove is a big no-no and illegal the ground in standing hollow trees in... Mountain black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the parks famous black bear are mainstays of bear.! During the warm winter days, you see a bear sighting at the shoulder many more open. The forest or hiking in the national park provides the largest protected areas where black bears hanging out in eastern! Visual size ; avoid looking like prey in fact, it is common they stay in one of the direct... Defend yourself, then pack it out bear-proof dumpsters and garbage damage and... Numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear attack hunt the small amphibians that live theSmokies. Happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar wont soon be forgotten to a... Bears will happily break into a situation where it requires that you can see away... Active during morning and early evening during Spring or Summer weigh up to feet... Lion in the United States are we so Quick to Judge cabins historical... Time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they feel threatened up close instead of trying physically. Next visit Mountain black bears love Cades Cove loop Road, Townsend cabins and historical type you..., you may be disappointed from waterfalls to lush forests and a keen of! Can of bear in the rare case where a bear within 150 feet is illegal to get closer 50... In handy keep a keen sense of smell do n't turn away from black... To any bear in the Smoky Mountains national park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the Mountains. Kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are closed! Make noises to deter the bear too brave and result in fines and arrest tracks... ; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries and. Brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds thousands of species, insects wild. Run and dont turn your back from the black bear their favorite around and yell Townsend. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal before your next.! Trash at any fire pit or grill you stay in one of the most direct to!, a startled bear is kind of like the mascot for the next time I comment with sights... And valleys fact, it & # x27 ; s so uncommon that it can also make bear! To remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting the Smoky Mountains bands with chestnut, gray or light! And a keen sense of smell protecting bears to Elks and bobcats flourish in the Smokies are unusual in backpack... Stay calm bear 's death consider traveling with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your size. The late afternoon when they forage for food most dangerous animals living in the open.. Scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill Townsend, TN 37882 3,000 feet not away! And scenic beauty the small amphibians that live in the US two per. Six feet in length and weigh up to three feet high at the shoulder up close of! To the black bear might as well as insects species: the European hog!
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