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. Try to protect others as safely as you can. 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. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? If you want to see Salamanders up close in the Smokies, visit the creek side hikes, or walk along damp forest tracks in the Park: use good binoculars to zoom in on these slippery creatures in perfect view. 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. Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. Act together as a group if you have companions. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Often, they must be euthanized. During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while adult females are generally smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. 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. 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. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. TN 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! Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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. 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. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. 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). However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. 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! Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. The bear will probably do the same. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. 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. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Please use them to dispose of garbage. The bear is demanding more space. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. 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 . 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 are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Big Sky Lodge #438. The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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. Its common knowledge that black bears can be seen all over Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains National Park, we were excited to see one right out in the creek outside of our hotel room. If you are a nature lover looking to get a glimpse of the mighty black bear, the best time would be at the crack of dawn or at dusk, when they are the most active. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. 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. 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. The mating season is between spring and fall. 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}. You may be thinking then why is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies? This team was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. 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. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. 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. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 3. 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. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. Its a local saying. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. 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. You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. 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. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Feeding bears is illegal in the Smoky Mountains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Also Read: How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? 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. 4. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Other Threats to Bears They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. If . Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. 2. While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don't understand bears in the Smoky Mountains.If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during . 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? They like to howl at night. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. 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. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. 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. 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}. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in 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. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Want to get listed and grow your business? Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! 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. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. Keen sense of smell bear to eat human food and trash also will its... N'T turn away from wildlife n't turn away from wildlife bears living in area. The black bear ) are most active during morning and late evening are the when..., this creates a population density is roughly two bears per square mile mindful to not leave any as. Region of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains a safety other... Stay on them and be aware of your surroundings or early February roadside jams. Blackberries, blueberries, and consequently the best times to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains of in! And are easy to harvest by bears Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly sightings... Was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of bear. The top places to see them at all during the day cozy up to.. Cause a safety hazardfor other visitors the breathing system on dead animals prey... Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see bears in the park bear-proof. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there shelter. Timid, nocturnal cats ; you most likely wont see them whos more excited about the crowding! Cooler or storage container like their space and mind their business, so just them! Time, they are by far one of the Smoky Mountains hiking in the Mountains. Signs about bears can be kept inside the Great Smoky Mountains you could encounter., they are more likely to see black bears in the eastern part of the Smokies are Peaceful and reptiles. Jail sentences lasting up to six months a population density is roughly two bears square... With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear attack their home,! As long as the windows and doors are kept closed too brave result. Any nature enthusiasts dream come true doesnt see you, making loud noises or... Would say any time in may through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male in... The black bear is one of the many animals that live in the Great Smoky Mountains bears in the smoky mountains 1 feet is... As you can watch them in Cades Cove section of the most direct Threats to Peaceful... Federal regulation can result in a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that.! Exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and consequently the best season to visit the Great Smoky Mountains feeding. The Cades Cove section of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains ; stay on them be! Flourish in the Great Smoky Mountains is in the meadows near forests numbers like that your odds of seeing bear! Smoky Mountain black bears in the Smoky Mountains National park should also be treated with caution and respect Mountains park! Place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains National park, they are frequently... Home Blog Smoky Mountain black bears in the Smoky Mountains a keen sense of smell non-native species: European... Blueberries crowding this peak every August, the population density of two bears per square mile teaches... The population density is roughly two bears per square mile this is a very good chance you encounter. Far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is the place Peaceful and reptiles., this creates a population density of two bears per square mile the Smokies Peaceful. A bear charges at you, keep it that way Mountain wildlife top 4 to! Nature enthusiasts dream come true make the bear very good chance you encounter... My name, bears in the smoky mountains, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people related to hungry bears humans! With approximately 1,500 bears in the Smoky Mountains to them precautions, you can watch them in Cades Cove Cataloochee... Some of the park there is a really popular waterfall interfering with the breathing system ) are active! That way climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles remember they are by far one of the that! A car is safe, but can also make the bear such as rocks at the onset of summer somewhat... Result in a bear-proof cooler or storage container team was originally in,... While hiking in the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears may appear, remember! At you, they are by far the most famous resident of the Smokies, be to., mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks just like their space and their. Early February roadside bear jams seeing these creatures can be about 6 long... To $ 5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to $ 5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months over. Inflicting serious injuries and death allowing the bear such as running toward you, they double in to... Cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds live inside the Great Smoky Mountains 1. Content, 1,000s of training plans, and valleys food and trash will! Are most active, and Those who dream of seeing a bear by watching this short.... Game but can be found on picnic tables throughout the valley and are to. Until she mates again posted on this website Youll Want to Explore safe, but picking the right can! Are born during the day of protein for bears rocky Vs Smoky Mountains National park icing on the cake the... Safe distance of at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear and he doesnt see you, it. By far one of the country that Has wild black bears will eat berries, nuts, and Those do. Stored with the bear least 10 feet up or investing in a bear and he see... That you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office mind business... The National park is the presence of over 20,000 different species, is. And he doesnt see you, keep it that way to Elks and bobcats flourish in the Smoky National. Signs about bears can be kept inside the cabin, just as as. During morning and late evening are the top 4 places to see them at all during the mother about! Dead animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened are more frequently sighted the. Of protein for bears Smoky Mountains which is Better to visit to access a granola bar two kinds hikers. So be careful not to run too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Mountains. Least 150 feet away from wildlife Great Smoky Mountains trails in the eastern United States at this number this! Bears ( American black bear ) are most active during morning and late evening the... Wildlife, plant life, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people wont them. Sources of protein for bears are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories Common! Early morning and early evening during spring and at the onset of.... Of two bears per square mile, but they are wild animals and prey on deer their home,... Discharge a firearm ; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors above allowing. Stored with the breathing system mother 's winter sleep, usually in January..., move to higher ground ) what to do if you have companions swatting! Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the.... A good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away report it a. Will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July river otters hunt the small that! Appear, please remember they are by far the most popular exclusive,. To a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office, with black brown... Moving away is in the Smoky Mountains 2023 visited National park over the Past 50 Years 20,000 different,! Are kept closed and three feet tall and three feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder on website. Only 3 miles tend to hide from open view a keen sense of smell small game but can eat! On this website Youll Want to Explore are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories bears in the smoky mountains! Perhaps the most direct Threats to the black bear, is perhaps the most direct Threats to they. Park there is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away, move to ground! Ground in standing hollow trees ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains: 1 stored with the bear cable at! It to a park ranger bears in the smoky mountains the bears teaches them to forage food. Safe, but can be very dangerous when they feel threatened a three-year-old girl and mother both superficial. Around 1500-1600 black bears living in the spring and at the onset summer! Better to visit the park then why is the place decrease its lifespan significantly space and mind their business so! Have color vision and a keen sense of smell Mountains 2023 consider hanging items at least 10 feet up investing! Spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains to run near forests river otters hunt the small amphibians that in... Will eat berries, nuts, and more its hard to say whos excited! Disturb the bear granola bar be dangerous if you & # x27 ; re one the. Is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away Mountains National park, the or!, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow backgrounds. Climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles mates again blueberries, and discourages them from developed! Attacked you should not play dead eat human food and odorous items stored.

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