Make your presence known. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. 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}. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. You can learn more about hibernation here. 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. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. Studies have shown that bears that lose their fear of people by obtaining human food and garbage never live as long as bears that feed on natural foods and are shy and afraid of people. 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 cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Learn more. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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. 2. 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. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. 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. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. 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. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. 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. 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. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 250 pounds. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Especially a mother with cubs. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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. 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. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. Bear management is really people management. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Stay safe in black bear country! Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. These bears pose a risk to public safety. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Good luck and be safe! The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. The bear is demanding more space. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. 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. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. Cades Cove. as adults. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. you are too close. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! 1-800-371-0341 . Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. One common location is Cades Cove. 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}. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Thank you for visiting! In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable, dangerous, and a threat to human safety. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. 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