You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. 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. 2. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. 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. 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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? Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Since the national park is 800 sq. 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. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Absolutely not! There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Furthermore, bears also snuggle up in dens during the winter that they make in tree trunks and hollow stumps or in shallow caves below boulders to avoid any disturbances by hikers. 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. 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. 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 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. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and to never throw food or garbage on the ground or leave it unattended. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Garbage Kills Bears! Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Thank you for visiting! And remember. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. 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 Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. It is preferable not to hike alone. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. 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. 2. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. LeConte! Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. Bear Size & Color 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. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Cades Cove. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. 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. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Keep your distance. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. 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. 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. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . 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. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. 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. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. 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}. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. NPS photo. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? See winners from every year of the contest. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. The bear is demanding more space. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. 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? You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Always respect bears and give them space. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. 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. 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. 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. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. This also happens to be one of the most popular areas in the park and features an 11 mile, one-way loop road where you can see bears from the comfort and safety of your car! 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. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. 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}. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Therefore, take a look at our tips for safe wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park! If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. 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. 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. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. 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! 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. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. 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