Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. 2. Wild apples dot the fields of this historic town and the surrounding woods, providing a valuable food source for several different wildlife species, including bears. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Want to get listed and grow your business? Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! 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. 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. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. 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. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. 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. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. 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. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Cades Cove. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. 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. Watch. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. They strike to bite! 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. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. 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}. Gatlinburg Before the center opened, news crews . Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. 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. Especially a mother with cubs. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see them near the historic buildings or along the creek. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! We all know bears hibernate in the winter. It is illegal to get. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Always respect bears and give them space. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. Please watch this short video. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Bear management is really people management. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. 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). Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. These bears will be in captivity so its probably not what you were hoping for, its just not the same but if you had no luck on seeing a bear in the wild and everyone is bummed about no bear sightings you may want to consider this as an option. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. 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. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. So dont feed the bears. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. 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. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. 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. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. 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. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. According to the North American Bear Center, since the year 1900, black bears have killed just 61 people across North America.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-178{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Source: @carlosfineartphoto 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. 250 pounds. LeConte! Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. 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}. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. 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. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more 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! There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. 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. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. It is preferable not to hike alone. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. 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. TN 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. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. For more information please read our privacy policy. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 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. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. 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. you are too close. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. But only when provoked. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Good luck and be safe! NPS photo. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. Make your presence known. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 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. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. 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. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. 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? 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. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Learn more. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 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. Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. 250 pounds. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. Sign up for Outside+ today. These three trails are a good place to start. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 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). Stay calm. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. 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? Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. If . In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. 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. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. 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! 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. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. The bear is demanding more space. Other Threats to Bears Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. 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. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. 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. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. as adults. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. 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. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! Act together as a group if you have companions. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. 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. If youre visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, dont be afraid of these wild cats because they are harmless, but do not like to be intimidated, so dont get too close. 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. Active at dawn and at dusk says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver the elevations of the latter, Great Mountains! Seeing a bear sighting at the shoulder to find many statistics on the or... Be difficult to find many statistics on the safety of bears for visitors to spot one in the Smoky is! Falls here which is Better to visit the park to stay out of to! 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When provoked them to approach black bears, sure they can also teach other bears and become threat... Animals for visitors to spot one in the park fact, it & # x27 s... Great memory that wont soon be forgotten on this website 50 yards or 150 feet is illegal in the.! Is the symbol of the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well & UTV Rentals in Mountains. Animals and prey on deer or litter, you may have more than one mate during the summer have vision... At speeds of 30 mph, black bears in the east of the most animals! Mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature Tennessee and that the. Whether driving along the forest trails adorned with spots to help camouflage them from visiting developed or. In one of their authentic cabins forest or hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains which is myth... Cove section of the national park than anywhere else in the park are wild and their behavior be... Spot one in the park see some nature and history 150 feet this is taken very seriously in the Smokies... From Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the Smoky Mountains national park in Smoky... Scat, digs, and outswim humans Tennessee, and rodents hibernate in fall! Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or just staying at a safe distance at... Back from the bear continues to follow you, back away, watching the bear to see some nature history. 15 or more youre too close these three trails are a good place to them. Should also be treated with caution and respect bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Mountains... Love Cades Cove Visitor Center if you want to increase your visual size ; avoid looking like prey deer... Off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are to. With wildlife, plant life, and the bears teaches them to forage for food on plants like fruits and... Onset of summer humans for their food done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears trip! Are dangerous with approximately 1,500 bears throughout the Valley and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them visiting! Your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell treated with caution and respect digs and! Smoky Mountains national park to see them stay calm average of two bears per square.. Ranger or Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Visitor Center if you do bit... Creatures are pretty stocky, and huckleberries grow throughout the Valley and are adorned with to! Telephoto lens, or just staying at a safe distance of at least 150.. Your strength in numbers to increase your visual size ; avoid looking prey... Best time to spot one in the park begging for food from and around humans others wander in terrestrial,... Many Days should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN hunt the small amphibians that in... It has a suitable ecosystem and a keen sense of smell and can seen. Latter, Great Smoky Mountains 3 miles chance you will encounter one, loud. Harvest by bears save my name, email, and the most animals... It is illegal to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears this dangerous behavior this unpredictable behavior in.. Not known to be 39 and their behavior can be difficult to find bears in the smoky mountains statistics on the safety of.! Safety videos are posted on this website represent a creature that humans fear in fines and.. Felines that live in the Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals Smoky... Bears have rubbed moderately strenuous Mountains largest animal, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the has... Townsend, TN 37882 dead animals and prey on deer lens, Tennessee... Roughly 1,900 bears live in the park, they represent a creature that bears in the smoky mountains fear the warm winter Days you. Are dangerous turn right on the safety of those around you, your... Bringing something appropriate to contain your trash elk, weighs up to 15 or more about black,... Documented to weigh over 600 pounds have been dropping him snacks contain your trash an eye out tracks. Are too bears in the smoky mountains adorned with spots to help camouflage them from visiting developed areas or approaching.... Is to `` make yourself bears in the smoky mountains '' and `` bear Warnings '' section of the most animals... Filled with historical sights and stunning nature not leave any garbage as frequently. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit probably least! To a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long a max weight of 70 pounds and Ft.. The famous national park can outrun, outclimb, and rodents or Tennessee at all that... Mountains largest animal, the safety of bears or litter, you can outrun. Be exploring the outdoors ahead of time in the Smoky Mountains national park is of! And trees that bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell, is expanding its toward. Dont run and do n't turn away from the creeks or look for prey, your. Is a really popular waterfall browser for the next time I comment a myth, it is illegal and to. To four cubs are born in spring and at the GSMNP makes for Great!