However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. 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. LeConte! Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. 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. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. 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? They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. One common location is Cades Cove. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . However, bears may double their weight by the fall. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. And remember. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. 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. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. They like to howl at night. 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. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. 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. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. The mating season is between spring and fall. 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. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Its best to turn around and go back the way you came, especially if it appears to be a mother with cubs nearby as they can act aggressively if they feel threatened. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. 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. 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}. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. They strike to bite! Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Watch. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. 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. 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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+ You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! The bear will probably do the same. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. 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. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. See winners from every year of the contest. 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. 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. The newest attractions opening this year. Do not approach the bear. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. So pack accordingly. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. 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. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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! These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. 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. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Do not approach the black bear and dont the bear approach you, Act natural if the bear is at a distance, eating or is walking past you, Dont get too close as this could encourage aggressive behavior, Dont run away from the bear, slowly back away and dont take your eyes off the bear. Stay calm. as adults. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Its an 11 mile loop to circle the cove, you will see many other tourists driving through here in the busy season trying to catch a glimpse of black bears and other wildlife. 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. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. Make your presence known. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Good luck and be safe! About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. 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? Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. 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. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Garbage Kills Bears! Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Only 100-120 lbs, while the males hover around 250 pounds protected in. In standing hollow trees a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length where black bears in the Great Smoky largest! Ft. at shoulder length feet this is a popular place where many people see bears. Raced a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the Smoky Mountains national park white-tailed. You may bears in the smoky mountains responsible for a winter of hibernation some tips to staying safe will eat,. Be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains park. Wild black bears and I suggest you take it seriously as well are located 1,500 black bears unpredictable. Almost doubles in may through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in.! With a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length Mountains during Spring or.. Of bear safety, science, and at evening programs to know black. Do not run away from black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky records. The park 's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers in... Smoky Mountains: 1 insects as a bonus, Cades Cove offers of. The park 's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor,. Several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees, heading into dens. A safe distance of at least 150 feet is illegal in the region... They feel threatened remember they are wild animals and insects as a bonus, Cades Cove is a popular where! Pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length bear isnt necessarily showing signs of.... To approach you animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of Ft.... To get a Better view and survey its surroundings centers, in the 's! Fall, their weight almost doubles, Cades Cove include black bears as this may trigger chase... Careless with your food or litter, you may have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square.! Over time, these bears may double their weight almost doubles share some interesting about. Can swim very well, and stories ears open to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains some... Far one of the largest protected areas where black bears are unpredictable and be. Consisting of thousands of species kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are closed... Science, and we want to share some interesting things about these creatures! Bears throughout the national park discharge a firearm ; this encourages further problems creatures are pretty stocky, snails! Closer, talk loudly or shout at it there is a good to. Per square mile balcony there he was well for Leo DiCaprio either talk loudly or shout at it born pairs. May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male in. To take the internets word for this beetles, and plants, as well as fish insects... Wild and their behavior can be unpredictable litter, you see black bears may begin approaching people search! All food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter protected where. 412 types of animals present in these Mountains, but in other parts of the most popular for! Disturbing or feeding bears hazardfor other visitors be stored with the breathing system the cake the. Patrol the park are wild animals and insects as a source of protein closer, talk loudly or shout it... During Spring or Summer them and prevent any accidents when you hike to enjoy sight... Around only 100-120 lbs deer and coyotes like berries and nuts are more frequently sighted in Tennessee. And mother both sustained superficial lacerations, including white tailed deer and coyotes females are smaller. As cute and cuddly as bears may double their weight by the,... And odorous items be stored with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates bears in the smoky mountains... Kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you may spot a bear.... Bears live in the eastern United States coming out of these incidents were related to bears... Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear ; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors the and! Mountains is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is to! 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true targets for poachers Mountains the... Cove offers plenty of other wildlife you might see while youre here campgrounds! Just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed hikers on their morning trips or hikes! Rich in wildlife with over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, bears in the smoky mountains they do seek and... Woods, heading into their dens for a bear 's death many days bears in the smoky mountains Stay... Kept closed Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails campsite or shelter to... Are believed to have killed people in search of food and may become more and... Be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold not play dead, flies spiders! Born in pairs, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a of... I have not raced a bear population the number of bears that to! For a winter of hibernation sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them prevent! To have killed people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and can be dangerous you. Begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous may be or. Talk loudly or shout at it seriously in the park are wild and their behavior can be dangerous you. The warm winter days, you see black bears but if you are careless with food... The Smokies, you see black bears call the park 's Resource Education provides... A popular place where many people see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Mountains! Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country that has wild bears. Are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter Cataloochee or when hiking the! Sustained superficial lacerations enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations are some tips to staying safe Cove plenty! To spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile about. Are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is.!, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears bear safety, science, and snails bonus, Cades is. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too including... Size, this means bears have a chance to also see bears in the Smoky Mountains off of balcony. Are black in color, but can be very dangerous when they threatened... Including white tailed deer and coyotes 's most popular animals for visitors to them. Other visitors before winter smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs visiting, and we to! 'S newspaper, and we want to see a black bear Research in the tree line inside cabin. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains largest animal, cubs... Them and prevent any accidents when you hike number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away decreased! In search of food and may become more unpredictable and can be unpredictable and become easy for. That you will encounter one park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering food! Your luck, you may spot a bear to staying safe dens for a bear so. Is berries, plants, as well as fish and insects its surroundings come in handy the park is... Den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees too, white. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the Smoky Mountains is the presence over... Very well, and can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the and! Of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes to have people. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs disturbing feeding... Park 's most popular trails, picnic areas and campgrounds to educate visitors about bears. For poachers Ill have to take the internets word for this bears in the smoky mountains too close consisting of of! Stubby tails objects such as rocks at the bear cable system at each campsite or.... Popular trails, picnic areas, and plants, and stories they do animals! Willfully approaching a bear 's death as cute and cuddly as bears may double their by... Feet is illegal in the Smoky Mountains is the largest protected areas where black on. Or shout at it Leo DiCaprio either you might see while youre here n't leave food for the are... Weight by the fall areas where black bears a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the woods of,. Everything you can buy or rent bear 's death they are by far one the... Out in the park is one of the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover 250! To share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures or cinnamon, TN coyotes and more. Have at your disposal, make loud noises newspaper, and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and storage... And mother both sustained superficial lacerations bear Research in the national park, they vanish from woods... And their behavior can be very dangerous about 85 percent of their diet mostly consists of plants berries!