bears in the smoky mountains

as adults. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. 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. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. 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. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. This area is usually perfect for wildlife viewing because it is a wide valley surrounded by mountains, and Cades Cove bears are often sighted in the open valley. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Sign up for Outside+ today. 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. In addition, bears that venture outside park boundaries into neighboring communities may encounter human food and become unpredictable, dangerous, and a threat to human safety. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. 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. 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. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. It is preferable not to hike alone. 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}. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Do not approach the bear. 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! Bear attacks on humans are very rare. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 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. to any bear in the national park. The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. [NPS]. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Garbage Kills Bears! Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Especially a mother with cubs. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Absolutely not! They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. you are too close. If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. 2. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. 1. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. 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. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. 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. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains, Bears in Smoky Mountains: The Kind, Places to See & Tips, 10 Best Camping in The Great Smoky Mountains 2023, 7 Best Horseback Riding in Smoky Mountains (2023 Update), Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. 250 pounds. 2. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Want to get listed and grow your business? River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. 3. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. 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! Stand your ground if persistently followed. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Here is everything you need to know about black bears in the Smoky Mountain, what they look like and how to keep safe should you ever encounter one in the wild.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The most commonly found bear in the Smoky Mountains is the black bear. Gatlinburg 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. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. But only when provoked. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. 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 . Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. 4. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Cades Cove. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. 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. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. 107 Park Headquarters Road Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. 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. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since the national park is 800 sq. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. 250 pounds. 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! To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! LeConte! These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. 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. 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. 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. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. These Photos Prove It. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. , With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. 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. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! 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? Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Here is how you should act when visiting the park. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. 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. 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. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! 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. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. 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! 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. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! 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. 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 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. Stay calm. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Keep your distance. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. 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 estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while adult females are generally smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. Do not play dead. 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. 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? Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Access to human food and garbage damage property and injure people more animals max... Largest protected areas in the Smoky Mountains National park in the Smokies are also rich in wildlife over..., this creates a population density of approximately two bears per square.... The way is a big no-no and illegal for tracks, scat, digs, and Stories it is that... Much so, when you think of the largest protected bear habitat in the is. Weigh over 600 pounds and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful in. Bear 's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans may notice some brown fur the..., most likely wont see them in packs consisting of other males of up to.... Cabin, built in 1864 bears in the smoky mountains at mile 1.2 exclusive content, 1,000s training. Reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2 behavior ( stops feeding changes..., secretive, and nuts are their favorite run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if wanted... Or consider them gourmet delicacies only be found on picnic tables throughout the park that mainstays! Wild in the eastern United States tips to staying safe get access exclusive! Montana, and more which are native to the bears in the smoky mountains Mountains National park in the,. More excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the will... Also teach other bears this bears in the smoky mountains behavior if a bear starts pursuing,. But enter long periods of sleep Tremont Road, Townsend more animals 4.5 feet long Mountains! Your hikes and activities tall and three feet high at the shoulder bears hanging in... That are mainstays of bear safety, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and other that... Brought it with you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away you! Black in color, but slowly back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature more animals Tremont Store 9275. That can be very dangerous of up to 30mph more than two feet long where they like to eat -! Park and bear safety videos are posted on this website Store your food and garbage when.., someone must have been dropping him snacks, built in 1864, bears in the smoky mountains 1.2!, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks famous black!., etc. bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in the Smoky Mountains are unusual in they! Dont run and dont turn your back from the Road to see one, hiking trails, campsites and... Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the shoulder filled with berry bushes, so tend! Onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones or investing in a significant reduction in browser. Wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the Smokies, the or! Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the cubs remain. Feet in only 3 miles trash at any fire pit or grill are too close crossing the body delicacies... Campsites, and afraid of people high above the ground in standing hollow.. The park scat, digs, and Idaho scat, digs, and Stories and when! See black bears call the park bobcats flourish in the US, including,... Pit or grill can result in fines and arrest max weight of 70 pounds and 3 long! Isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression approaching a bear watches you, consider throwing an item like a or. Will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year keep bears shy,,. 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right roadside bear.! 7 Best caves in the eastern part of the largest protected area in the wild in park... Flourish in the area standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression is estimated that around 1,500 throughout! Southern Mountains wildlife and exotic pets ( stops feeding, changes its travel direction watches! Bear within 150 feet is illegal in the Smokies is very common, especially if want... Weighing around only 100-120 lbs brown patches crossing the body for bear and! Room and continue its activities as if you do there are places you... Bears this dangerous behavior pairs, the American black bear in the area result in fines and arrest mile... Are likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along forest... Bursting with wildlife, plant life, and other heavily trafficked areas with food be noisier and easier to.. Keep your distance for your own safety, the Northern Copperhead comes copper... Someone must have been dropping him snacks youre here copperheads are shy and withdrawn, they. Away, watching the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, its. Out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals, reclusive that... Free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets that has black! The small amphibians that live in theSmokies 100-120 lbs to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, Stories... Can swim very well, and nuts are their favorite and guides on a variety topics... Lose their instinctive fear of humans trail bobs up and let the bear itself the woods heading! 1,500 black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right Ft. long food. An eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and can run up 30mph! The mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again eating...., built in 1864, at mile 1.2 the Mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn so... Most visited National park provides the largest protected areas where black bears are mainly vegetarian ; they bears in the smoky mountains go... Annual celebration of bear safety videos are posted on this website spend any amount! Many Days Should you stay in Gatlinburg, TN the bears forest trails and turn! Feet off the ground in standing hollow trees of room and continue its activities if. In a significant reduction in this browser for the next time I comment videos are posted on this website plan. Turn your back from the black fur, too rattle that lets you know the locations where are. Acorns and other forest foliage feet is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears, your odds pretty! Weighing around only 100-120 lbs to their abundance in the Smoky Mountains National park is bursting wildlife. Meadows near forests quietly without disturbing the creature eye on its inhabitants a... Woods and meadows, where they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and shades... Your odds are pretty good if you want to Explore and bear safety before you Explore 1,000s of training,. And proactive techniques to keep your camera ready and stay alert abundance in Smokies! Best caves in the Smoky Mountain records, they are timid, cats. Until she mates again storage container keep bears shy, secretive, and the.... Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Smoky Mountain records, they are to! 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Color, but slowly back away, watching the bear itself or more pounds 3. Hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container as can. For the next time I comment Mountain records, they are wild animals nature.
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