You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. 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. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Cades Cove. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Head out to the Park in the early summer to witness mothers give birth to adorable calves and September-October for the annual mating season when bulls circle cows into herds. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. 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. Absolutely not! Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Before the center opened, news crews . You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. 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 only type of bear in these mountains is the black bear which is the most abundantly found, with roughly two bears for every square mile as about 1500 bears inhabit it. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. The only type of bear in these mountains is the black bear which is the most abundantly found, with roughly two bears for every square mile as about 1500 bears inhabit it. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Its best to turn around and go back the way you came, especially if it appears to be a mother with cubs nearby as they can act aggressively if they feel threatened. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Act together as a group if you have companions. 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. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. A Grand View Lodge #540. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. 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). They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! 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. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. 1-800-371-0341 . Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. 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. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Above all, keep your distance from bears! On August 21, 2017 the western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will lie within the path of totalit How well do you know our Smoky Mountain home? 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. Its a local saying. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. 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. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. And remember. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 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. 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! Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. 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. 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. Absolutely not. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. If you want to see Salamanders up close in the Smokies, visit the creek side hikes, or walk along damp forest tracks in the Park: use good binoculars to zoom in on these slippery creatures in perfect view. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. 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}. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Mating usually takes place in July. According to the North American Bear Center, since the year 1900, black bears have killed just 61 people across North America.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-178{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. # x27 ; s so uncommon that it can be found in a select few States the! 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