These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. 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. 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. Cades Cove. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Learn more. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Want to get listed and grow your business? The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 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 . Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. 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. 2. 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). 4. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. 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. For more information please read our privacy policy. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. 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 a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. 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. 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? Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. to any bear in the national park. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but its important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. 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. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. 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. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! 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! How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Stand your ground if persistently followed. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. 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. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. 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. Absolutely not! At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. 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. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. The newest attractions opening this year. 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. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see them near the historic buildings or along the creek. They are omnivores. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 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. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. 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. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. 2. Always keep your car locked, black bears are nifty at gaining access when they want to.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',180,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-180{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 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. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Please use them to dispose of garbage. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. [NPS]. 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. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. 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. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. 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. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. 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. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. 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. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. 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. 3. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. 250 pounds. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. 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 mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. 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. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Especially a mother with cubs. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 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 . Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! This is for both your safety and the bears safety! There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Explore the most visited national park in the country. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 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. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. (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). Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. 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 you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. 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. The bear is demanding more space. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Its a local saying. NPS photo. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. A Grand View Lodge #540. Bear management is really people management. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Cades Cove. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. These three trails are a good place to start. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. 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! The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001.