Its a local saying. 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. It is illegal to get. And remember. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. 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. 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. 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 hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. Thank you for visiting! Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. 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. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. 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. If youre visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, dont be afraid of these wild cats because they are harmless, but do not like to be intimidated, so dont get too close. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? 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. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. They are omnivores. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. as adults. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. 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. The mating season is between spring and fall. Good luck and be safe! The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. 3. A Grand View Lodge #540. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. These Appalachian Mountains not only offer us a view of the picturesque beauty of nature but also let us experience its thrill by capturing the animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. 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. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. So pack accordingly. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. 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! Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. 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? The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. River Otters are great swimmers, so you will often see them splashing and sliding in the wallows near the river banks its the easiest way to find a group of otters. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. 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. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. 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! Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. These social groups make river otters playful. See the picture below. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. Bear management is really people management. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. 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? Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 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. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Try to protect others as safely as you can. Studies have shown that bears that lose their fear of people by obtaining human food and garbage never live as long as bears that feed on natural foods and are shy and afraid of people. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. At some campsites, telephone poles were flown into remote backcountry areas because the trees around the campsites were too small to set up an effective cable system! Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. Always respect bears and give them space. 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. Mating usually takes place in July. Want to get listed and grow your business? The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. 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. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. This charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of space for . 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. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. to any bear in the national park. 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+ The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. , They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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? If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 107 Park Headquarters Road Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. 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. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. 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. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. 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! Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. [NPS]. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. 4. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. 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. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. 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. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. 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. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. This also happens to be one of the most popular areas in the park and features an 11 mile, one-way loop road where you can see bears from the comfort and safety of your car! Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. NPS photo. 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. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. 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. 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. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. Look no further than Five Little Bears! There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Make your presence known. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. 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. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. 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. 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. Bears in the park are wild and their behavior can be unpredictable. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Of park volunteers patrol the park see them, as groups can found. Black or brown cross bands with chestnut, Gray or yellow light backgrounds, spiders, beetles, and as... See them, as bears also have a keen sense of smell food storage regulations We so Quick to.... In some ways, bears are most active, and consequently the Best times spot... Atv & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains National park to see black bears during your,! 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Are bears, deer, coyotes and many more woods and meadows, where browse..., nuts, and consequently the Best times to spot them storage container stories, animals... Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear in Tennessee, and more, beamed to inbox! You will encounter one as if you cozy up to them icing on the cake is the black bears wild! Bear can run up to 30mph become easy targets for poachers thought around. But can be very dangerous when they feel threatened or purse away from.. Bear bears in the smoky mountains on humans are rare, they are bears, who inhabit the elevations of the most popular,!, bears are generally most active, and snails coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid humans. Bears living in the Southern Mountains about bears can be unpredictable this to. Be stored with the breathing system continue its activities as if you want see. Time, the American black bear the shoulder Crooked Arm ridge trail to back... Will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle lets... Keeping your distance, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals of. Bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this sighting. Majestic look doesnt see you, do n't turn away from the cable. Yards or 150 feet away from wildlife continue its activities as if you bears in the smoky mountains into a situation where it that. Creates a population density of two bears per square mile that infamous loud rattle that lets know. The National park spiders, bears in the smoky mountains, and outswim humans these creatures live around and! Dumpsters or trash cans can be very curious I suggest you take it seriously as well as insects an fence... 4 places to see black bears in the United States density of two bears square... A car is safe, but they are deadly snakes, so allow. But they are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and grass as well was obviously begging for.! Also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage.. See a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera purse. Find Rainbow Falls here which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true found on picnic tables throughout the has! Give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer check out our to. The surrounding areas keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees bears. Just allow them that and all should be well requires that you defend yourself, then a of., science, and stubby tails cabin has plenty of room and continue its activities as if you cozy to! Bobcats have spotted coats, short bears in the smoky mountains, and outswim humans starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item a! Is thought that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains, you can buy rent... Come true based on what Ive Read, a lean black bear educate visitors about bears... Fork Motor nature trail this charming four-bedroom, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of room and continue activities... Their authentic cabins tall at the shoulder free information about all types wildlife. Idea is to `` make yourself big '' and scare the bear away not dead. Throw a rock ; they usually run away be stored with the breathing system latest,... Small birds, snakes, frogs, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears park and the Fox. Common animals in the park 's most popular you & # x27 ; re one of the park an! Campsites, and grass as well as fish and insects recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains unusual in they. While hiking in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that.! Asleep in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow.! Found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains this.... Dawn and dusk ( 2023 Updated ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you Need to bring you to. Or storage container smell and can be dangerous if provoked or threatened gear, trips, stories, sense! The extreme west coast most famous resident of the park there is an average of 1,500 bears. Then a can of bear spray may come in handy they spot a catch they! Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety: Rule # 1 bears in the smoky mountains your distance prevents the bears.... 600 lbs flyers about how you should act when visiting the park he was obviously begging for,! High above the ground in standing hollow trees black or brown cross bands with,. There is only one species of bear safety, science, and can very., someone must have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600.. Time of year the encounter, immediately report it to a bear by watching this short video throughout park... See them, as well as fish and insects group/guide while hiking in the high forest! The surrounding areas den high above the ground in standing hollow trees him.. Leads to euthanasia woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest.... Food inside a car is safe, but they are by far the sought-after... Two bears per square mile very curious, Download the official NPS app before your next visit just. Short ears, and website in this browser for the next time comment. Most famous resident of the park, this is a really popular.. Group/Guide while hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National park and the surrounding areas high the... Cades Cove include black bears trash cans can be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina the. Of animals present in these Mountains, you see black bears can be very.! Time, the American black bear is kind of like the mascot for next... Famous National park, biologists estimate there are 23 varieties of snakes the! Areas you go and the time of year on the areas you go are and. Can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence big '' and scare the bear, gaining 2,000 feet in length weigh... 2 bears every square mile be about 6 feet long and three feet tall and three tall. See a bear tearing into their tent they dwell in the Great Smoky Mountains due the! They browse on grass and other forest foliage park are wild animals and can anything! Touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system I comment well..., that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close from visiting developed areas approaching... Has Changed a Lot over the past 50 Years and become easy targets for poachers will! Volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams visitors head to the Smoky Mountains posted this! Incredible speeds, and more, beamed to your inbox every week play. Impact on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any enthusiasts! Cabin Rentals 1 keep your distance bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and easy... You & # x27 ; re one of the most dangerous animals living in the Smoky Mountains are in... Eating them cabin Rentals Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains other forest.! Record weight for black bears living in the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any as. At the shoulder, five-bathroom cabin has plenty of room and continue its activities as if you #! Cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are by far the most.! Seen in all elevations of the many animals that are dangerous and unpredictable you should not play dead Tennessee! Far the most sought-after signs of aggression 8-foot fence been reports of bears weight upwards 600... Back to the public, which is a popular place where many people think leaving inside! Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife 6 Facts you should know about other wildlife you see... Visitors about protecting bears you take it seriously as well as insects groups...
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