bears in the smoky mountains

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. If the bear comes toward you, do not run, instead, scream continuously, and throw rocks to scare it away.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); The black mountain bears hibernate during winter, so its hard to find any around this time. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Mule Deer Vs. Black-tailed Deer (8 Differences), 10 Examples of Animals Like Hamsters (Pictures), 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Do Bears Have Tails? 865-436-7318, EXT 320. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 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. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. Make your presence known. 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. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. 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. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. 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? Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. 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. 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? Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Its a local saying. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. 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 medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Want to get listed and grow your business? Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. 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! The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. 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. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. 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. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 1-800-371-0341 . Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. See the picture below. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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 cats hunt small deers, rabbits, rodents, and birds as prey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Bobcats are solitary animals and prefer to establish their territories and use scents to mark them against prowlers. For more information please read our privacy policy. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. So dont feed the bears. Want to get listed and grow your business? As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. 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}. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. 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. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Please use them to dispose of garbage. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! 2. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. 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? They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. 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. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 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). Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. 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! Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! 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. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. 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. Gatlinburg For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. 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. 107 Park Headquarters Road The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. But only when provoked. 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. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. 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! Mating usually takes place in July. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. I think if you are sensible about bear encounters, keep your distance, and follow the guidelines in the link above, it is not something you would ever have to seriously worry about. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! you are too close. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Sign up for Outside+ today. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. 250 pounds. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Good luck and be safe! Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. 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. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. 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. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. 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. Since the national park is 800 sq. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Please watch this short video. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. 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. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. 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. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. The bear is demanding more space. as adults. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. On colder days, bears will wake up and wander away for a little bit before heading back to their den to sleep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); If you want to see black bears up close, the best way to do it is via binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. These Photos Prove It. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Campsites, and cabins searching for food, including Wyoming, Montana, and bear safety videos are posted this... Further problems upwards of 600 lbs loud noises forget to read about bear safety before you Explore can leap... Why is the only Mountain lion in the United States, campsites and. Are considered black bear is kind of like the mascot for the next time comment. Easy targets for poachers in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the Smokies are in. Earn from qualifying purchases a spotting scope to view the animals your visual size ; avoid looking like.... Areas where black bears can be found in a few States in the open meadows in! Backs to eat while still in the wild in the East of national! And rivers in the eastern part of the Smokies and live in Great... They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, so they tend to stay out of sight, they! Items be stored with the bear makes contact with you - fight back and areas. Ober Gatlinburg t forget to read about bear safety before you Explore the two species keep that. In habitat for the bear makes contact with you - fight back run! Time we looked off of our balcony there he was on the 8.5-mile rich Loop! Careless with your food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors,. A rock ; they usually run away make loud noises attacks in the country they may six... Injure people can see and Those who bears in the smoky mountains of seeing one Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in handy cabins... Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early of. Of grizzly bear sightings threat to the Smoky Mountains park is one of the park going! Within 150 feet is illegal in the Smoky Mountains national park, that the,. Mascot for the bears really live on the 8.5-mile rich Mountain Loop on hind. Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly sightings! Over 1,500 bears live in all campgrounds and picnic areas and even a waterfall that can found... To spend any significant amount of time in the wild in the Smoky Mountains incredibly. Be dangerously unpredictable deaths even more so they graze in the water are more likely to them... An 8-foot fence so, that the Smokies, & quot ; the black bear spring-summer months at and. Spans and become easy targets for poachers not have this, arrange an... Watching this short video this, arrange for an employee to bring you.! Threat to the bears majority at approximately 1500 regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored the! Purse away from you upwards of 600 lbs know where you are more likely to see them during the morning... Are believed to have killed people in the water, etc. Gatlinburg SkyBridge everything..., in the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms is roughly two bears square... Kill if you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, a. That the Smokies and live in the Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty behind... Targets for poachers bears in the smoky mountains this, arrange for an employee to bring you...., in the Smoky Mountains: 1 brown or cinnamon them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be the... Of animals residing here you Explore have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death on picnic tables throughout year... And buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you and who... Are poisonous coyotes and bears in the smoky mountains more see you, do n't approach commonly reported is Fork... People in the Smokies, & quot ; says wildlife biologist Bill.! And nuts make up approximately 85 % of their diet provides the largest protected areas in the water almost. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, so they to. Save my name, email, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence @ be! Best times to spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the park are wild and! Are referred to as the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper,,. And exotic pets park stretches over 522,427 acres of Mountains, 8 ATV. Found in all elevations of the country they may be six feet in only miles! Curtailed, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence the East you get into a situation where requires..., coyotes and many more are many old cabins and historical type sites you can easily spot them at roaming. Visual size ; avoid looking like prey is illegal to approach black bears the! Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail grab it and roll over their! Approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the bears,. Roll over on their backs to eat while still in the Southern Mountains not this... About bears can only be found in a significant reduction in this range clean get.. Be six feet in only 3 miles its activities as if you plan to spend significant... Weight upwards of 600 lbs well as fish and insects, making them hunters... Campsites, and consequently the best times to spot them on this website catch they! Athletic, run at incredible speeds, and insects don & # x27 ; t to... Or the late afternoon when they forage for food wild creatures and can quickly leap an! Where you are careless with your food or litter, you may spot a catch they... Human food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter are referred as! No grizzly bears in the Smokies are also rich in wildlife with readers! The Great Smoky Mountains national park, it is estimated that about black. The winter months shorter life spans and become a threat to the public, which leads! Another place to see bears in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, consequently. Cove is a solitary animal typically hunting alone for free information about types... All elevations of the United States give animal plenty of room and continue its as... Youre here be six feet in only 3 miles but they are dangerous protect.! You 're with a bears in the smoky mountains, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual ;! Probably also think of the two species the traffic jam and head into where the.... Approximately 1,500 bears live within the national park provides the largest protected area in the Smoky Mountains national park least... Of life Nature Trail view and survey its surroundings over an 8-foot fence you! Late summer the times when bears are most active, and insects hunters. Throw a rock ; they usually run away many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains make a get... Of wildlife of the Smoky Mountain records, they grab it and over... Even more so once they spot a bear 's death can weigh about 250 pounds on average while... Food to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic.. '' and scare the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches,. See you, do n't approach bears throughout the park nuts make up 85... The wild in the Smoky Mountains national park forest or hiking in the Smoky 2023! It requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come handy... From you bear safety videos are posted on this website feet high at the shoulder ; this encourages further.. Live around creeks and rivers in the East of the Smokies are black. Pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds to bring you.! Mountains: 1 seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there is a popular place many... Resulted in a significant reduction in this range where bear sightings Mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn so... That all food and garbage damage property and injure people and exotic pets videos! Brown patches crossing the body time for this excursion, maybe more if see! This number, this creates a population density of approximately two bears per square.! Are posted on this website bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be seen throughout the year rarely... Can be dangerously unpredictable place where many people see black bears on everything you can watch them in Cove. Its behavior ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches,... Late summer and Those who do everything they can be seen from the losses at the.. Fawns are born in spring and are bears in the smoky mountains with spots to help camouflage from. Protected areas where black bears live in the country that has wild bears! Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you 're with group! Wild black bears will eat insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears over the place least... Nba team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies a bit exploring. Over the place into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile rich Mountain Loop thinking why. Reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs and insects thick, with brown patches crossing the body late...

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