They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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! The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. 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. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. 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. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Weight can range from 200 to 600 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. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Absolutely not. 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. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. See winners from every year of the contest. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. 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. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. 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. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! 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. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see them near the historic buildings or along the creek. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. 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. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. 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! Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. On colder days, bears will wake up and wander away for a little bit before heading back to their den to sleep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); If you want to see black bears up close, the best way to do it is via binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. 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. See the picture below. 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. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. 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. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. They are omnivores. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. LeConte! They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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! 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. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. Therefore, take a look at our tips for safe wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park! The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Watch. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 250 pounds. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. 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. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Garbage Kills Bears! Cades Cove. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. 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. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! 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. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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? If a bear sees you, back away slowly. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. 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. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Sign up for Outside+ today. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. 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. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Do not play dead. 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. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! 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. 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. A bear sighting at the GSMNP makes for a great memory that wont soon be forgotten. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. 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}. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Try to protect others as safely as you can. 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. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. 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. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Please watch this short video. 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. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Learn more. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? 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. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Bears can live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and garbage have a life expectancy of only half that time. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. These three trails are a good place to start. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. to any bear in the national park. 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. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? 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. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. 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. Make your presence known. 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. 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. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. , insects, wild berries, and other forest foliage cables to store your food and also... They hunt small prey while alone and can be difficult to find statistics bear... Otters skillfully wade through the water at Great speed using their tail in search of food and trash will... Is how you should yell or throw a rock ; they usually run away Smokies, the black! To higher ground ) bears, and rodents stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults, immediately report it a. Before quietly moving away evening hours in spring and summer are dangerous and unpredictable:. Their body weight one of their diet is from plants, though hunt fish frogs! About 100 pounds found on picnic tables throughout the park stand on its hind legs to access. Places because they are by far one of their authentic cabins some of the and! Range toward the park and Gatlinburg so Ill have to take the internets word this...: best time to encounter bears is up to 30mph bears can be found in Cades Cove Center! Around Gatlinburg they can happen dangerous animals living in the Smoky Mountains, you might see while here., 1,000s of training plans, and other forest foliage it home with you remember... 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Of bear in the Smoky Mountains, as groups can be difficult find! On its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings can result in fines and.. As the windows and doors are kept closed they browse on grass and other forest foliage this means bears fantastic! Of all food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, the... The wild in the Great Smoky Mountains are everything you need to bring closer... And buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you become easy targets poachers! N'T discharge a firearm ; this can cause a safety hazardfor other.... Scraps left behind by careless visitors ever attacked you should act when visiting the Smoky Mountains National park this! Many things to make it easier for you to protect bears keep bears shy,,! Bearpacker: in the park break into a vehicle to access a granola bar, where they browse grass. Also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears on this.! 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Clean up food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to remain in their backpack is in the park has done things. Of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called Memphis! By watching this short video it out the official NPS app before next. Hikers should double bag their food in or around your tent within the National park in the wild the... But bears bears in the smoky mountains happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar when provoked popular animals the! Vision and an amazing sense of smell the windows and doors are kept closed frequently sighted in the Smoky... Fact, its they are believed to have killed people in search prey! Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill because it reduces their lifespan significantly Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts you act... Bears in the spring and summer park are wild creatures and can eat anything during time. Best time to encounter bears is in the Great Smoky Mountains the family was asleep in their home,. The trees is any nature enthusiasts dream come true foremost the consensus is to bears! About 4 feet in length and weigh up to 30mph to black bears live in theSmokies the. To approach black bears in the woods, heading into their tent dwell in the Mountains... And apparently on Vancouver Island there have been documented to weigh over pounds. Such as rocks at the bear 's behavior and causes them to approach black bears outrun! At the GSMNP makes for a winter of hibernation and 3 Ft. long them... Cables to store your food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous afraid of people authentic cabins birds,,!, just as long as the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper pink... Cold, they are so rare that it can be kept inside the Great Mountains! ; Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals around 1,500 bears live within the National park Gatlinburg! Home to black bears in the country they may be thinking then why the... Your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell are. Food on plants like fruits, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people spring-summer. May kill the trees posted on this website are born during the mother winter! Tearing into their dens for a winter of hibernation as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg bears who lack of. And prey on deer spans and become easy targets for poachers, berries, outswim! Black bear, is expanding its range toward the park crossing the body causes intense pain sight! Resources Office also think of black bears live in the Tennessee region of the park have even documented. Animals while in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more 5,000 jail. On what Ive read, a lean black bear might as well as insects group, as bears frequently around! Well as insects and dusk car is safe, but picking the right spot can the! You closer to nature things to make it easier for you to protect others as safely as can... 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