bears in the smoky mountainsbears in the smoky mountains

Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. 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. According to a range of knowledgeable sources, the best place to see black bears when visiting the Smoky Mountains is in Cades Cove, a spot just a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They generally like to spend time in remote, highly wooded areas. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Cades Cove. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. 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. 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. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. 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}. If the bear comes toward you, do not run, instead, scream continuously, and throw rocks to scare it away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); The black mountain bears hibernate during winter, so its hard to find any around this time. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. 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. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . 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. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. 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. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. These Appalachian Mountains not only offer us a view of the picturesque beauty of nature but also let us experience its thrill by capturing the animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Keep your distance. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. 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. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. See winners from every year of the contest. Mating usually takes place in July. Please use them to dispose of garbage. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. Gatlinburg 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! We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. 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. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. 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. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Cades Cove. 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 . It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. They like to howl at night. 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. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Stand your ground if persistently followed. 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. Source: @carlosfineartphoto About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Big Sky Lodge #438. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Make your presence known. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. 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 . More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. 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. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Want to get listed and grow your business? When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Learn more. 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. 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 . To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. 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. 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. So pack accordingly. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their 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. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. 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