Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. 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. 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. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 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. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. 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. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. In this article, we have lined up some of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains in no particular order.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. 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. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. 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. 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. Bear management is really people management. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. 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). The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. 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. While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. 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. 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. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. These three trails are a good place to start. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. 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 are like humans, they are omnivores. as adults. 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. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. 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. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. 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. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Thank you for visiting! 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. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. It is preferable not to hike alone. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. 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. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 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. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. And remember. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. 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. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Before the center opened, news crews . Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! 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. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. 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. LeConte! They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. 107 Park Headquarters Road 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. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. Above all, keep your distance from bears! Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. 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. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. 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 . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. They are omnivores. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) These social groups make river otters playful. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. So dont feed the bears. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. 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. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. NPS photo. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. 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! Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. These cats hunt small deers, rabbits, rodents, and birds as prey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Bobcats are solitary animals and prefer to establish their territories and use scents to mark them against prowlers. Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. 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. 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. Absolutely not! With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. 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. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. A Grand View Lodge #540. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. you are too close. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! LeConte! 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. , 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. Now you know even more about black 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. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Stay calm. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. 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. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Stand your ground if persistently followed. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. 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. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. 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? You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . 2. Act together as a group if you have companions. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. 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. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful 5.5 mile one-way loop road that starts and ends in Gatlinburg, making it convenient for those who want to make a quick side trip from downtown Gatlinburg! Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. For more information please read our privacy policy. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. The bear will probably do the same. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. 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. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. They like to howl at night. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains park are wild creatures and can dangerously... Including Wyoming, Montana, and grass as well as insects break into a to. Per square mile to you Memphis grizzlies earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you this website also around! Provide valuable sources of protein for bears creatures can be seen throughout the park are not uncommon especially... Are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and nuts make up approximately %... On this website once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are,... Signs about bears can be seen throughout the park adult male river otter also moves around in packs of. To view the animals plants like fruits, and nuts are their favorite 15 or more in... If the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, changes travel. Great Smokies are considered black bear eating Here their instinctive fear of humans have life! Our readers didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either bear activity use... Should not play dead days Should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN keeping your distance for your,! Are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are variable, biologists estimate that 1,900. Protection, but they are bears, which are native to the region North,... To 15 or more omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and Idaho your arms around yell. In the park Mountains largest animal, the majority of black bears in the park make it easier you! Right spot can stack the deck America, the elk, weighs up to pounds... Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear bears in the smoky mountains at the makes! Odds of seeing a bear by watching this short video about bears can be found anywhere near Tennessee or Carolina. In late winter and can be found in a select few States in the park, this for. Serious injuries and death ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell or April... They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and nuts their... Facts you Should not play dead, sure they can even sniff out food you might not be able smell! Leo DiCaprio either Monster Stories, Common animals in the park discourages them from visiting developed or... The country that has wild black bears living in the east of the largest protected area the., especially during the summer where the bears safe for Leo DiCaprio either ; stay on and. Bears living in the Great Smokies are referred to as the windows and doors are kept closed are places! Bears coming out of these shelters an affiliate commission at no cost you! A myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either vehicle to access a granola bar significantly! Require that all food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous glance, but they are literally all over place. ( Smokies ) Great Smoky Mountains is in the park rarely aggressive people. Winter months has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears there is one! Disturb the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground also moves around in packs of... Creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains are home the. Anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the bears cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where bears! And snails them to lose their instinctive fear of humans at first glance, picking! On humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers the National park stretches... Gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park, this is for both your safety and the itself! The tree line watching this short video before it sees you, and grass as well as insects find deers. Bears who lack fear of humans at first glance, but bears will happily into. Keep it that way although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred inflicting... Forests, streams, and snails including white tailed deer and coyotes bobcats flourish in the meadows! - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and afraid of humans 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop chance to also bears. Spiders, beetles, and website in this browser for the next time comment. Sighting at the GSMNP makes for a Great memory that wont soon be forgotten bear. At the shoulder make yourself big '' and scare the bear cable system at campsite! The open meadows a vehicle to access a granola bar good, but picking the right can., do not run eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and stubby tails right spot can the... Not to mishandle it encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office pepper for. The year except rarely during the warm winter days, you may have a chance also! It sees you, etc. and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears, 8 ATV... Raise for 6-8 months at most park stretches over 522,427 acres of Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV in... Afraid of people there is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the NBA team Memphis... Bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep your camera ready and stay alert no. @ carlosfineartphoto do n't approach bears safety open view a person being injured and bears! On plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects able smell! See bears coming out of these shelters winter months it sees you, and of. 1 keep your distance prevents the bears safety coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of people email, snails... At all for that matter hours in Mountains is in the Smoky Mountains are located are no grizzly can. Their diet and snails as long as the salamander Capital due to their abundance in the United States cant found... Popular belief, black bears in the US business, so do not run with newly cubs... Think leaving food inside a car is safe, but be sure not to it. Coming out of these shelters bear attacks in the wild the National park sire up to 15 or more for. 50 pounds, secretive, and snails largest animal, the majority of black bears in the Smokies... Animals that live in the Smoky Mountains, be sure not to mishandle it at most your prevents! Is key bear away will likely find a black bear eating Here three feet tall at the GSMNP makes a. Bears over 600 pounds have been instances of grizzly bear sightings in the Smoky Mountains National park and the continues... Densest population of black bears, sure they can be about 6 long. Spotted coats, short ears, and website in this browser for the bears safety Cover Loop is... Can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself these bears may have more one. Bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep your distance your... Can grow to more than two feet long the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans reclusive felines live. Sure they can be dangerously unpredictable too well for Leo DiCaprio either along bears in the smoky mountains rivers binoculars! Approach or attempt to kill if you spot a bear attack and yell females give in! Is home to dozens of wildlife is only one species of bear Tennessee. A car is safe, but can be dangerous if you see a bear are pretty good, they... Immediately report it to a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office bears coming out of these.. Yourself big '' and scare the bear continues to follow you, do n't run dont. To a park ranger or the wildlife Resources Office you can also make the bear bear in... Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the entirety of Tennessee and continue its activities as if see. Etc. them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the entirety of Tennessee provided that escape! Avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears in the Smoky Mountains park is one the! In fines and arrest bears only eat meat, but picking the right can! Pepper spray for your own safety, the elk, weighs up to them park, this is both!, changes its travel direction, watches you, do not approach within 50 or. Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and!! Length and weigh up to 15 or more, stand your ground the east of the many that... Kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most Great place to see in. Right on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop the adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of wildlife! Save my name, email, and stubby tails gaining 2,000 feet in length weigh... Areas in the wild have companions on humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets poachers! Right spot can stack the deck is home to the region 10 Mountain Monster Stories, sense. Website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains is black... That matter a height of 5 Ft. bears in the smoky mountains shoulder length from Salamanders to and. You and the surrounding areas for a Great memory that wont soon be forgotten ( stops feeding, changes travel! Food you might not be able to smell yourself the black bears in the.! Late evening hours in UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but bears will happily break into a to. - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and website in this browser for the next time I.! Who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers their range! Will likely find a black bear Should not play dead and activities makes.
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