20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. 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. Stay calm. 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. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Learn more. Do not approach the bear. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. These three trails are a good place to start. They like to howl at night. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 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. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. 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. 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. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. Garbage Kills Bears! Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. See winners from every year of the contest. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Ive only made this drive a couple of times and havent been in a while but its definitely very neat and if you are a photographer you can get some good pics of nature and your family. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Sign up for Outside+ today. Often, they must be euthanized. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Bear Size & Color Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. The bear will probably do the same. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. 1. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. So pack accordingly. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! 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. 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. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! 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. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Do not play dead. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. 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. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. 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. LeConte! They are omnivores. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Its a local saying. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. It is illegal to get. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. 2. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Before the center opened, news crews . 250 pounds. Act together as a group if you have companions. 250 pounds. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. 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! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. 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