Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. 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! Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Mating usually takes place in July. Since the national park is 800 sq. The Little River Road is an excellent place to see bears as the road runs parallel to the Little River for 18 miles, traveling between the Cades Cove park entrance in Townsend to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. 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). So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Learn more. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. 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. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. 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. [NPS]. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! The outdoors might seem like a good place to toss your apple core or crust from a sandwich, but doing so in or around the national park is one of the biggest reasons bears are attracted to areas populated by humans. 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. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. 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. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains, Bears in Smoky Mountains: The Kind, Places to See & Tips, 10 Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains 2023, 7 Best Horseback Riding in Smoky Mountains (2023 Update), Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. 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. 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. 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! As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. 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. Here is everything you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountain, what they look like and how to keep safe should you ever encounter one in the wild.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The most commonly found bear in the Smoky Mountains is the black bear. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. It is illegal to get. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. 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. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. 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. 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. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Looking for a fun way to enjoy your next family vacation, book a Smoky Mountain cabin rental with a game room for a truly unforgettable experience. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! The bear is demanding more space. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Absolutely not! 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. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. as adults. So dont feed the bears. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. If . If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 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. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. 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! In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. 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. 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. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? 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. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. 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 females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. 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. 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