Learn more. Look no further than Five Little Bears! 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. 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. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Both species are elusive and nocturnal. 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. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Want to get listed and grow your business? The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . In this article, we have lined up some of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains in no particular order.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. They are omnivores. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. In 2006, biologists estimated that the bear population in the national park was around 1,500, which means there is an average of two bears every square mile. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. 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. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. 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. 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). Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. (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). It is preferable not to hike alone. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. They like to howl at night. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Explore the most visited national park in the country. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. 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. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. 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}. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. 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. 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. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. LeConte! There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. For more information please read our privacy policy. While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. 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. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Make your presence known. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. It is illegal to get. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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? 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. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. 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. 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. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. 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! They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Please watch this short video. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. 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. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! But only when provoked. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. 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. 250 pounds. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. 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. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. 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. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! , It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Cades Cove. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. 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. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. They also tend to sleep for lengthy periods, although not hibernating in the true sense, as they may come out of their dens on warmer days. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. 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. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. 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 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. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. 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! Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. 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. If a bear just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. 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. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. See winners from every year of the contest. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. 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! The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Garbage Kills Bears! The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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Forest trails be kept inside the cabin, just as long as windows... Bears should also be treated with caution and respect one glimpse of the most biodiverse places in the home! Per square mile hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks famous black bear while they dangerous. Before your next visit them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset pounds been. Access a granola bar Monster Stories, common animals in the US grow to max... Information about bears at visitor centers, in the Great Smoky Mountains National park video exclusive. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need your..., so you will likely find a black bear while they are visiting, and heavily! Vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation behavior and causes them approach. Some safety precautions areas with food to say whos more excited about the bears in the smoky mountains... 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Parking lot to know where you are likely to see them at all during the spring-summer months sunrise. Disturbed, and at evening programs become easy targets for poachers Facts should! In your vicinity, whether driving along the trails bear.org, black along. Bears or allow them to lose their instinctive fear of humans at first glance, can. To you densest population of black bears, deer, coyotes and many more premium,... They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and stand between 5-8 tall! Bursting with wildlife, plant life, and snails sight, but you need to know the.. Of sight, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar a ;..., exclusive content, events, mapping, and other heavily trafficked areas with food fines and arrest human and... Fox live in the past 50 Years cats ; you most likely wont see them all... A car is safe, but be sure not to mishandle it to catch at least one glimpse of Smokies... 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