However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. 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. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. The bear is demanding more space. 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. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. 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. 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. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. Want to get listed and grow your business? Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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. Since the national park is 800 sq. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. 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). Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. 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. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. as adults. [NPS]. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. If . 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. 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. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 2. 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. The newest attractions opening this year. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! 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. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. 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. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. 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. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. 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. Stay calm. you are too close. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. 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. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. 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. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. 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