Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. 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. They are omnivores. 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. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. 3. 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. Please use them to dispose of garbage. 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. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Its an 11 mile loop to circle the cove, you will see many other tourists driving through here in the busy season trying to catch a glimpse of black bears and other wildlife. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. The newest attractions opening this year. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! 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. 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. Big Sky Lodge #438. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. 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. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Thank you for visiting! The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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! Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. 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. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. 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. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. And remember. 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. 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. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. 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. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. They strike to bite! You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. 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. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. 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! Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. 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! I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 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. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. Garbage Kills Bears! Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 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. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Do not play dead. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. 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. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. 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. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. A Grand View Lodge #540. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. LeConte! Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. One common location is Cades Cove. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. 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! If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. 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. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. 2. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. [NPS]. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Want to get listed and grow your business? You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Try to protect others as safely as you can. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Bear Size & Color If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. 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 . Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. These social groups make river otters playful. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. 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