These three trails are a good place to start. 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. 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. While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. 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. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Big Sky Lodge #438. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 3. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. 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. 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. you are too close. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. Above all, keep your distance from bears! 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. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. 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. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. And remember. 107 Park Headquarters Road 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 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. 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. 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. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. 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. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Gatlinburg You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. 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. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Act together as a group if you have companions. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Before the center opened, news crews . 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. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. 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). The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. 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. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Make your presence known. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! 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. See the picture below. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. 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. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. 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! Thank you for visiting! If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. These social groups make river otters playful. Absolutely not! There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Its a local saying. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Often, they must be euthanized. Garbage Kills Bears! But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Always respect bears and give them space. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Source: @carlosfineartphoto 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. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. 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}. 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