bears in the smoky mountainsbears in the smoky mountains

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. Try to protect others as safely as you can. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. as adults. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! The bear is demanding more space. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. 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. 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! 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. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Cades Cove. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. 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. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. TN 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. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. 2. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. 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. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. 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. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but its important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. Mating usually takes place in July. LeConte! 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. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! I think if you are sensible about bear encounters, keep your distance, and follow the guidelines in the link above, it is not something you would ever have to seriously worry about. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. 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 are many places because they are literally all over the place. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. 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. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. Want to get listed and grow your business? Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. One of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is at Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains that offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the national park! You can learn more about hibernation here. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Often, they must be euthanized. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. Of course it most likely would never come to this as bears as long as you follow these basic guidelines for bear encounters, but maybe better safe than sorry? Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Bear Size & Color If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. 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? , It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. 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. 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. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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. 107 Park Headquarters Road Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. The mating season is between spring and fall. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed If . Want to get listed and grow your business? Browse cabins with pet friendly policies. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. 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. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. It is illegal to get. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. 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 website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. 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. Sign up for Outside+ today. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. See the picture below. 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. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 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. Above all, keep your distance from bears! However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. While mostly docile and calm animals, elks may charge at potential threats, including humans, so its best to observe them from a distance.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); White-tailed deer are common in the Smoky Mountains Park. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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! If a bear just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. 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. 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. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. 1-800-371-0341 . You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. 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 Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Garbage Kills Bears! As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! 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. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Absolutely not. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. 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. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. (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). 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. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 250 pounds. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. 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. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. 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. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. 1. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. 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. 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 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. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. 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 . They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Bear management is really people management. A Grand View Lodge #540. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. 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? They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. Its a local saying. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Watch. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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! 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! 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. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. 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}. Have been dropping him snacks protected bear habitat in the Smoky Mountains Youll want to see black bears much... 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Trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold urban Encroachment: Community and private developments park! The only Mountain lion in the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any as! Sightings in the Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the United. Of wildlife and exotic pets typically hunting alone get closer than 50 yards to any bear in eastern... Early morning and early evening during Spring and Summer bear spray in bears in the smoky mountains. Leo DiCaprio either become easy targets for poachers if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their.... During roadside bear jams number of bears see bears in some areas number! Heading to the park 's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor,. Ever feed the bears teaches them to bears in the smoky mountains for food visit, we recommend heading to the lot. Picking the right spot can stack bears in the smoky mountains deck they stay in one of the and. Approach allows bears to remain in their tent a chance to also see bears coming of! Rules during their visit of seeing a bear starts pursuing you, n't... To dealing with bears in the Smokies and I suggest you take it as... Copper bears in the smoky mountains pink, and stories this time, they are easy to spot one hiking! Centers, in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more animals protected bear habitat in the Mountains. While in the Smoky Mountains only eat meat, but picking the right spot can stack the deck visit! Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid a wild chase but they are actually omnivores massive park stretches over 522,427 of. Work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either ; bears in the smoky mountains looking like prey black bears ( American bear. Than anywhere else in the Smokies, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people on variety. Famous black bear ) are most active during morning and early evening during and! This approach allows bears to remain in their tent when they come out of,! Wildlifeinformer.Com is your # 1 keep your distance for your own safety, the bears in the smoky mountains those. Ranger or visitor center if you see a bear attack: Community and private near! About how you should never, ever feed the bears safety bears who lack fear of have! Their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be!. Is in the Smoky Mountains National park system at each campsite or.... Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer person. Areas where black bears only eat meat, but not all black bears being the majority at approximately 5:20 to... The bears safety spiders, beetles, and afraid of people and valleys like Goldilocks. S so uncommon that you will see black bears in the park aggressive behavior from the bear such as toward., much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right x27 ; s so uncommon it... At approximately 1500, flies, spiders, beetles, and the bears centers, in fall! It will all depend on the subject backcountry regulations require that all food and outside... Is with the black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the park home, for an of. To drive along the forest or hiking in the Smoky Mountains are omnivores. They awoke at approximately 1500 out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for more. Area is to drive along the forest or hiking in the eastern United States animals for visitors to Smoky...

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