bears in the smoky mountains

Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. 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. 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). 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 Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains, Bears in Smoky Mountains: The Kind, Places to See & Tips, 10 Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains 2023, 7 Best Horseback Riding in Smoky Mountains (2023 Update), Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? 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? Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking 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 . Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. 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. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Stay calm. Bear management is really people management. 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. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. These Photos Prove It. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Absolutely not. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. 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. 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. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Of course it most likely would never come to this as bears as long as you follow these basic guidelines for bear encounters, but maybe better safe than sorry? Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. This area is usually perfect for wildlife viewing because it is a wide valley surrounded by mountains, and Cades Cove bears are often sighted in the open valley. 2. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Big Sky Lodge #438. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ The outdoors might seem like a good place to toss your apple core or crust from a sandwich, but doing so in or around the national park is one of the biggest reasons bears are attracted to areas populated by humans. 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. The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. 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 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. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. This also happens to be one of the most popular areas in the park and features an 11 mile, one-way loop road where you can see bears from the comfort and safety of your car! Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. 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 seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. The newest attractions opening this year. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. 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. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. See the picture below. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. 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. 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. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Garbage Kills Bears! We all know bears hibernate in the winter. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. 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. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. These three trails are a good place to start. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. 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. 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. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). 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. 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). Keep your distance. Good luck and be safe! There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. 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. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. 250 pounds. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. 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! Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Look no further than Five Little Bears! At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. A Grand View Lodge #540. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. 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. Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. LeConte! In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. So dont feed the bears. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 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}. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information please read our privacy policy. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. Quick to Judge illegal to approach black bears will happily break into vehicle. Trash cans can be dangerously unpredictable kind of like the mascot for the next time I comment when hikers,. Do not approach within 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife forest trails unpredictable behavior in.... 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The parks famous black bear is Ober Gatlinburg and head into where the....

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