In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Cades Cove. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 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! All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. 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. Absolutely not. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. 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! In the backcountry, food storage cables have been installed to make it easier for backpackers to hang their food and garbage so that bears cannot get to it. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Wild apples dot the fields of this historic town and the surrounding woods, providing a valuable food source for several different wildlife species, including bears. 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. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Often, they must be euthanized. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Please watch this short video. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. 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. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. And remember. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! 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. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. 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. Thank you for visiting! 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! Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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! 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. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). 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). Please use them to dispose of garbage. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Want to get listed and grow your business? you are too close. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. 107 Park Headquarters Road Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Other Threats to Bears Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. 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. 250 pounds. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. 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. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. to any bear in the national park. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. They can live at any elevation in the park, so you could see them near cabins in the woods or as you hike to the summit of Mt. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! They strike to bite! 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Always respect bears and give them space. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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 . Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . 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. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! 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. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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