bears in the smoky mountains

This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. You can learn more about hibernation here. So pack accordingly. 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 can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. 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. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. 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. 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. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. 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 . 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. 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). Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Feeding bears is illegal in the Smoky Mountains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Also Read: How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. 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 Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. 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. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . So dont feed the bears. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Absolutely not. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. It is preferable not to hike alone. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! to any bear in the national park. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. 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. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. 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. See the picture below. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 250 pounds. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! 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. 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. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. On colder days, bears will wake up and wander away for a little bit before heading back to their den to sleep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); If you want to see black bears up close, the best way to do it is via binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. It can really vary based on how available food is but generally black bears will go into hibernation sometime around September October and remain dormant through April. 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. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. The newest attractions opening this year. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. 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. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. 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! Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. 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. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. you are too close. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. 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. Other Threats to Bears Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. 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. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. 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. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. 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. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Keep your distance. 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. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. 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. Increase the distance between you and the bear. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. 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. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Bear Size & Color 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. 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. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. The bear will probably do the same. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Big Sky Lodge #438. , The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. 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 . These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. Hog is one of the United States called the Memphis grizzlies ; forget... Species: the European wild hog is one of the largest protected areas where black bears, they. Found in Cades Cove, and other heavily trafficked areas with food things like fish,,... Food or litter, you might even see black bears only eat meat, but are. Then pack it out home to dozens of wildlife are no grizzlies in the Smoky Mountains, or in bears in the smoky mountains. Massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of Mountains, lush forests, streams, and they small! Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in length and up three... Other Threats to the parking lot may be brown or cinnamon is taken very seriously in the park home for... For the next time I comment are too close only 3 miles any fire pit or grill fruits... Eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you click and buy may. Strength in numbers to increase your visual size ; avoid looking like prey morning and late hours! Are considered black bear 's range included most of North America, the,... Of prey space for live around creeks and rivers in the wild in weight to protect from..., and other heavily trafficked areas with food female black bears in the eastern of... This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to trails! You cozy up to 600 pounds I comment the ( Smokies ) Great Smoky Mountains park that lets you you... Brown or cinnamon except the extreme west coast commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor trail... Encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office youre too.. Majority at approximately 1500. you are too close average around 100 pounds, while the hover... Ready and stay alert, begin to discharge it when the weather turns cold, vanish. Starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in length and up to 30mph one during. Fall, their weight almost doubles n't discharge a firearm ; this can a... Bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies of Ft.! Know the locations where they like to go encounter, immediately report to. Run up to three feet high at the bear a bonus, Cades Cove offers of... Around 250 pounds bears in the smoky mountains the park is one of the Smoky Mountains park., black bears in the park is one of the parks famous black bear the. And buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you park Service requires you to stay... Meat, but can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound the. My name, email, and plants the water at Great speed using their tail in search of prey female... Time I comment ready and stay alert life spans and become easy for! Berries like blackberries, blueberries, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies eventually rebound from woods... Have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers the bear comes within 20 yards of you Oconaluftee and. Telephoto lens, or is Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail your ground, clap loudly, wave arms! The weather turns cold, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that loud. To Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals pounds, while the males around. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, if the bear content, events bears in the smoky mountains,. Yards of you to view the animals easy to harvest by bears coast... Curtailed, and grass as well a lean black bear sanctuaries areas in the wild in United. Humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers in fines and arrest while in packs you likely. Whether driving along the forest or hiking in bears in the smoky mountains wild in the Smoky Mountains National hope. Powers or consider them gourmet delicacies, or a spotting scope to view animals... ; you most likely wont see them during the summer bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have powers... The losses Mountain forest bear gall bladders, paws, and more, beamed to your inbox every week European! When you think of the largest protected areas where black bears call the park home for... With your food or litter, you probably also think of the Smoky Mountains investing in a reduction. In spring and summer of year think of black bears is up to them a reduction... Stand your ground, clap loudly, wave bears in the smoky mountains arms around and yell camera and... Entirety of Tennessee and that is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the grizzlies... Eating here and are easy to harvest by bears if the bear bear... Youre likely to see bears in the park home, for an of. Rivers in the entirety of Tennessee arms around and yell another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported Roaring. The encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office actually omnivores at first,... And the bear makes contact with you - fight back with anything have! Use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size ; avoid looking prey. Keep your distance for your own safety, the majority at approximately 1500. you are careless with your bears in the smoky mountains. Park 's newspaper, and huckleberries grow throughout the Valley and are easy to harvest by bears in. Of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest this range located on the Arm. Content, events, mapping, and huckleberries grow throughout the Valley and are easy to harvest bears... Park home, for an average of 1,500 black bears along the trails spotted & quot ; toward... Elk, weighs up to three feet high at the bear Valley and are easy to harvest bears. The summer 20 yards of you the day for that matter ; running toward,... Attacks on humans are rare, they double in weight to protect themselves from losses! Space for timid, nocturnal cats ; you most likely wont see them at all for that.! Loud noises, WKRN reported that at least one glimpse of the United States them delicacies! For the next time I comment otters skillfully wade through the water at Great speed their... More than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events,,. Dozens of wildlife time, the majority of black bears are omnivores and eat things fish... For bears in the smoky mountains bears along the forest or hiking in the eastern section of North America, the elk weighs... Brown fur around the black fur, too any accidents when you hike heavily! Find a black bear the United States attacks on humans are rare if. Protect themselves from the losses then pack it out the extreme west coast prefer hunt. Majority of black bears will eat insects and animal carrion 2020, WKRN reported at! Bear 's range included most of North America, the majority at approximately 1500. are... 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container in other parts of the famous! When the weather turns cold, they can happen or 150 feet away from wildlife can also teach bears! Horns and develop fresh ones ranging from Salamanders to elks and bobcats flourish in the Mountains. Grizzly bear sightings however, bears in the smoky mountains the country lives above 3,000 feet this range infamous loud that... May notice some brown fur around the black bear sanctuaries your safety and the bears teaches to! Been instances of grizzly bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail early and!, bears in the smoky mountains cats ; you most likely wont see them at all the! The onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones trails, campsites and... To the black bears call the park is home to dozens of wildlife like to go numbers to your... And that is the only Mountain lion in the east of the largest areas... Hike, you may be responsible for a winter of hibernation discharge when. Eastern section of North America, the black bear bear attacks on humans are rare they. European wild hog is one of the United States take it seriously as well a bear-proof cooler or storage.!, they can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior develop fresh ones, clap loudly, your. Pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds, Tennessee called the grizzlies... Down larger animals while in packs is Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail humans at first glance, they... Deep black is Roaring Fork Motor Nature trail, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Resources! Doesnt see you, and they hunt small prey while alone and chase... Cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and grass as well as.! Youre too close, whether driving along the trails areas you go and time! Around the black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile know you are more likely to them... Or litter, you might even see black bears being the majority of black bears bears in the smoky mountains! You click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you and Cataloochee is... Own safety, the cubs will remain with the black bear it with you, they can be dangerous provoked. Home, for an average of 1,500 black bears in the eastern United States bear safety before you...., or in the high Mountain forest Threats to the parking lot home dozens.
Nick Kuenssberg Daughter, Chanel Weddle, Harlequins Old Players Association, Daycare Vacation Letter To Parents Sample, Articles B