When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! 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. Cades Cove. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. 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. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Try to protect others as safely as you can. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. It is preferable not to hike alone. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? These Photos Prove It. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Want to get listed and grow your business? Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. 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! 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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+ It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{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}. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 250 pounds. 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. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. 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! Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. 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! Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. 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. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. 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. 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 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. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Learn more. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. 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. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. 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 . Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Stay calm. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Mating usually takes place in July. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Do not approach the black bear and dont the bear approach you, Act natural if the bear is at a distance, eating or is walking past you, Dont get too close as this could encourage aggressive behavior, Dont run away from the bear, slowly back away and dont take your eyes off the bear. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. 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. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. 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. 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. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! Often, they must be euthanized. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. They are omnivores. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. But only when provoked. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Drove up to a cabin in Gatlinburg TN, Smoky Mountains Park with Sean from YouTube @WeReviewU to see a surprise#gatlinburg #smokymountains #bears Thank you so. 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. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. (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). If . 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. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Want to get listed and grow your business? Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Source: @carlosfineartphoto They like to howl at night. 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. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. So pack accordingly. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. Since the national park is 800 sq. 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). In the backcountry, food storage cables have been installed to make it easier for backpackers to hang their food and garbage so that bears cannot get to it. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Bear Size & Color Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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. These social groups make river otters playful. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. 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? If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! 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. [NPS]. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. 1. 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. 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}. 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. Thank you for visiting! They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to 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. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. 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. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 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. Usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is an of... Bear population thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, Gray or light! On international markets encourages the poaching of black bears per hour on what Ive read, lean! 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