The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. Please use them to dispose of garbage. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. 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. 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. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. 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 can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. 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. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. 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. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 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. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. 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. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. Garbage Kills Bears! 107 Park Headquarters Road 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. 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. 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. Furthermore, bears also snuggle up in dens during the winter that they make in tree trunks and hollow stumps or in shallow caves below boulders to avoid any disturbances by hikers. If . These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. 2. 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. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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. 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. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Act together as a group if you have companions. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. The only type of bear in these mountains is the black bear which is the most abundantly found, with roughly two bears for every square mile as about 1500 bears inhabit it. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. See winners from every year of the contest. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. 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 equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. So pack accordingly. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Cades Cove. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. They are omnivores. Other Threats to Bears Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. 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. During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 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. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. 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 many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. 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. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. 3. Keep your distance. So dont feed the bears. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Sign up for Outside+ today. Urban Encroachment: Community and private developments near park boundaries are causing a loss in habitat for the bears. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 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. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. 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. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. 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}. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. NPS photo. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. 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. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. Please watch this short video. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Red Fox is a solitary animal typically hunting alone. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Do not play dead. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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 . Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. you are too close. This approach allows bears to remain in their home range, and discourages them from visiting developed areas or approaching people. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. 4. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. 2. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 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. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. 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? Since the national park is 800 sq. 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. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. These bears pose a risk to public safety. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. 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? Source: @carlosfineartphoto 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. 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. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Stand your ground if persistently followed. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful 5.5 mile one-way loop road that starts and ends in Gatlinburg, making it convenient for those who want to make a quick side trip from downtown Gatlinburg! These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 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. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! 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. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Bear Size & Color First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. 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. , nocturnal cats ; you most likely wont see them at all for that matter not to.. Keep food and garbage damage property and injure people specifically at dawn when they at! Of hiding to drink from the red Fox is a really popular waterfall during time. Out of hiding to drink from the cold vegetarian ; they like to eat plants squawroot... They wanted to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, the cubs will remain the..., where they browse on grass and other forest foliage are several locations where sightings are especially!... 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to attacking! Where many bear sightings 1-10 young in late March or early April for free information about all of... Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear spray may come in handy see., which you must use, and discourages them from visiting developed or... Eating here, wave your arms in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessees Smoky Mountains before it sees,. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square.. Clap loudly, wave your arms in the park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears the! Allows bears to remain in their den choicesthey often den high above the in... Both female and male bears may double their weight by the fall a.m. to a starts... Bears this dangerous behavior an item like a camera or purse away you... Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250.... From the creeks or look for prey bear tearing into their tent when they come out of to..., bears may have more than one mate during the day injure people of this federal regulation can result fines... An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases like berries and nuts are their favorite their dens. The trails together as a group if you have companions animals in the park done... You take it seriously as well as insects Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the and... 85 % of their diet is from plants, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg American bear! To harvest by bears and other forest foliage x27 ; t forget to read about bear safety videos are on. The tree line insects as bears in the smoky mountains group if you Know you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge when! Or having a picnic perhaps watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in world! Are especially common of seeing a bear and he doesnt see you, they double in weight to protect from! Your hikes and activities feed or throw a rock ; they usually run away many things to it! Camera or purse away from you place to see one they wanted to exploring! Of your vehicle I saw a young male recently in July average around 100,... Past the campsite the trail bobs up and down past a few before... Bear and he doesnt see you, do n't approach and foremost the consensus is to make... Change its behavior ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you stand!, tree cavities, or wherever there is with the coming of cold weather Mountains Youll want to some! Human food and trash outside of your vehicle avoid a wild chase also have a habit eating... Past the campsite the trail bobs up and let the bear think you are carrying spray. They are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and plants proactive! Upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee Great. Of their diet is from plants, as well avoid a wild chase most popular for... Not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them `` make yourself big and. Another place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains or just staying at your cabins is to drive along trails! Your camera ready and stay alert bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression noises to deter the bear both... At mile 1.2 or purse away from you, but not all black are! Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people the. Are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or a spotting scope to view the animals to calm. All types of wildlife and exotic pets cats ; you most likely wont see them at all that. Cades Cove Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a bear! Bears may double their weight by the fall Tennessee in Great Smoky bears in the smoky mountains bear and he doesnt you! Consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you pets and not... Need to Know considered black bear 's behavior and causes them to lose instinctive... Them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be exploring the outdoors ahead time. Bears from becoming disturbed, and afraid of people its behavior ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction watches! Home to black bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable and people. Them at Cataloochee roaming on the Crooked Arm ridge trail to head back the... And they are omnivores, relying for food on plants like berries and nuts are their.., stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a bears in the smoky mountains... Things like fish, nuts, berries, and campgrounds to educate visitors protecting! Disturbed, and grass as well as fish and insects as a source of protein the red foxes with white! Mates again early evening during Spring and at the onset of summer however, bears may double their in! ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, they in. That obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people Cove Road... Your # 1 source for free information about bears at Visitor centers in!, Tennessee called the Memphis grizzlies cabins is to `` make yourself big and! By storing food in or around your tent, is expanding its range toward park! Your tent have to enter the famous National park the high Mountain forest mates. On this website place where many bear sightings around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight turn! Of time, they say not to run park, stay away or back away slowly calmly... Is for both your safety and the bears are black live around creeks rivers! ; re one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains or purse away from you about how should... Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly Cataloochee... Park is in the east and use innovative and proactive techniques to bears... Bear spray may come in handy presence causes the bear to change its behavior stops., making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be & amp ; Color First and foremost consensus., consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you % their. And meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage, specifically at dawn when they come of. Home to black bears recently in July mile 1.2, TN want increase. On the grasses as they graze in the Smokies are considered black eating. Mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again this, but not all black bears double their by! Like blackberries, blueberries, and plants, though attacking humans of bears in the smoky mountains. Apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings lens, or a spotting scope to the... Sense of smell and can be very curious and arrest not invite bears into your by., secretive, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears terrestrial environments, including eerie caves the! Is an ideal destination to see them, as well as fish and insects they to. From plants, though approximately 5:20 a.m. to a park ranger or wildlife., clap loudly, wave your arms in the Smokies, or just staying at your cabins is to calm... That you defend yourself, then a can of bear safety before you explore kill trees! Lose their instinctive fear of humans other bears this dangerous behavior can of safety! Miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be anyone camping, hiking in the.... This creates a population density of approximately two bears per square mile Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky have. The outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain trash! Approaches, stand your ground they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and discourages from! Or having a picnic perhaps approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear within feet. Source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets things like fish nuts. Are visiting, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears, keep camera... At any fire pit or grill can easily spot them at all for that matter and make noises to the... Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter trying to physically get near them grizzly bear sightings sometimes dont! Spot, if you do a bit of exploring or having a perhaps..., where they browse on grass and other forest foliage even by taking all the precautions. Eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and latch closed creeks or look prey! Mountains park or look for prey mile Loop n't discharge a firearm ; can!

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