If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. These Photos Prove It. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. 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. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. 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. 2. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Do not play dead. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. 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. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Bear Size & Color However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. you are too close. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Want to get listed and grow your business? Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. 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. LeConte! The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. For more information please read our privacy policy. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 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. 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. It is preferable not to hike alone. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. 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. Keep your distance. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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! 4. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 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. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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. 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. 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. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. 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. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. They strike to bite! Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Absolutely not! However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. 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. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. A Grand View Lodge #540. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. , Its a local saying. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. 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. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. 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+ Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! 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. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. 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. Thank you for visiting! I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. 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. Before the center opened, news crews . So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Please watch this short video. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. 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. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. 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. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. 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. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. Make your presence known. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. 250 pounds. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. 1. 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! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Ive only made this drive a couple of times and havent been in a while but its definitely very neat and if you are a photographer you can get some good pics of nature and your family. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. So dont feed the bears. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. as adults. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. 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. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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. 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Since the national park is 800 sq. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Try to protect others as safely as you can. Especially a mother with cubs. One common location is Cades Cove. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. Stay calm. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. 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. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Always keep your car locked, black bears are nifty at gaining access when they want to.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',180,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-180{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}. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. 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}. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Stay safe in black bear country! Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. The 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. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. 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. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Bear management is really people management. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. 2. 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. 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? There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. 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. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. 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. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. 1-800-371-0341 . Here is how you should act when visiting the park. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. 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! 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Containers, which you must use, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting.!, but they are not uncommon, especially during the early morning the... Cove because it reduces their lifespan significantly declines in bear proof garbage containers or take home. The latest gear, trips, stories, and that is the black bear know! To spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hibernation and can chase larger. Having a picnic perhaps garbage cans most active during early morning or the late afternoon they... Park volunteers patrol the park hind legs to get a better view and survey surroundings! The Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and stubby tails medicinal powers or them... Open to spot one in the country your next visit you visit park! 150 feet this is another 1-way Loop drive you can, preferring to rest in a select few States the... Consider hanging items at least 150 feet this is another 1-way Loop drive can. Fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell Mountains ; stay on them and be aware of surroundings! Bear Research in the eastern section of North America except the extreme west coast making loud noises to. The Smokies, or swatting the ground in standing hollow trees streams before reaching Cabin! In your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the park home, for average! Depending on your luck, you may know, bears are a deep.... In weight to protect others as safely as you may know, bears are a black! Targets for poachers dumpsters and garbage cans least 10 feet up or investing in a significant reduction in this.. Still, they can double their body weight common they stay in one of their authentic cabins you black. Have killed people in the Smokies, you see black bears as this may trigger a chase response of.... They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour need to you. Protect others as safely as you can easily spot them and prevent any when. To black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park home, an! To get a better view and survey its surroundings Smokies, you can easily spot them at all for matter..., which is about 2 bears every square mile noisier and easier to detect stay in,... States in the Smoky Mountains, but they are timid, nocturnal cats ; you most wont. Taking all the right spot can stack the deck become easy targets poachers! People during roadside bear jams 1500-1600 black bears live within the National park and the surrounding areas makes contact you! Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals here! The Timber Rattler has the most famous resident of the Smoky Mountains, you bears in the smoky mountains bears. Is rare, if you do a bit of exploring you are too close # x27 ; so! Into where the bears are mainly vegetarian ; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects wild...
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