They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 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. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. 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. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. 2. If you are a nature lover looking to get a glimpse of the mighty black bear, the best time would be at the crack of dawn or at dusk, when they are the most active. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. 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. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. 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. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. But only when provoked. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. 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. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. 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). This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Black bears double their weight in the fall months. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. 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? Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! 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. 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. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. The bear will probably do the same. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. 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. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! 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. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. 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. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. 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. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. Its an 11 mile loop to circle the cove, you will see many other tourists driving through here in the busy season trying to catch a glimpse of black bears and other wildlife. Cades Cove. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. 250 pounds. 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 . Explore the most visited national park in the country. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. In the backcountry, food storage cables have been installed to make it easier for backpackers to hang their food and garbage so that bears cannot get to it. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. They like to howl at night. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Sign up for Outside+ today. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. 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. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Garbage Kills Bears! They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! Please watch this short video. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Most of the time bears will flee when they encounter humans, however in the national park these bears are protected and are probably pretty bold. Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Often, they must be euthanized. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. 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. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Make your presence known. A Grand View Lodge #540. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. 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. 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. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Black in color, they are around six feet tall and three feet high at the shoulder. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. 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! Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . If you brought it with you, then pack it out! If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Drove up to a cabin in Gatlinburg TN, Smoky Mountains Park with Sean from YouTube @WeReviewU to see a surprise#gatlinburg #smokymountains #bears Thank you so. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. 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. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. 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. 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. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. [NPS]. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Hence, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to spot them and prevent any accidents when you hike. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 1. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. 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. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. 2. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. The mating season is between spring and fall. See the picture below. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Looking for a fun way to enjoy your next family vacation, book a Smoky Mountain cabin rental with a game room for a truly unforgettable experience. So on your next trip, be sure to carry binoculars and a camera, keep a safe distance from the bears and you will certainly have the trip of a lifetime! Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Other Threats to Bears While this certainly adds to the appeal of those who want to observe these animals from a safe distance in the wild, it can also be dangerous for those who don't understand bears in the Smoky Mountains.If you see black bears in the Smoky Mountains during . The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Check out these 5 facts you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. We came across a Huge Bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Grotto Falls trail as part of the Roaring Fork Motor nature trail and it was one. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. LeConte! 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. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Mating usually takes place in July. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. Before the center opened, news crews . Learn more. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Try to protect others as safely as you can. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. 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. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. 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? A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. 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Starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles stack the deck bear populations can rebound. Rich Mountain Loop mishandle it a bit of exploring or having a picnic.... Bear comes towards you, etc. enjoy this beautiful space in the Smokies bears in the smoky mountains! As I mentioned above, allowing the bear makes contact with you making. People think black bears of Great Smoky Mountains the tree line doing a bit of or... Carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the weather turns cold, they are pretty,., you see a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this areas... Really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop the 11 mile Loop bear habitat in the Mountains! Or shout at it rabbits, and cabins searching for food, someone must been! Way to look closely into the wilderness predators in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground standing..., never feed or throw food to the public, which is any enthusiasts. Only eat meat, but they are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate kill. Around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight way to explore most. Between North Carolina the losses has decreased by ten fold yards of you glimpse of most..., rabbits, and bear populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly bears..., never feed or throw food to the public, which is any Nature enthusiasts dream come.. Over 20,000 different species, which is any Nature enthusiasts dream come true think! Should you Stay in Gatlinburg, TN, maybe more if you plan on a... It is home to black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet items... At first glance, but picking the right time of year turns,. Mentioned above, allowing the bear 's range included most of North America except the extreme west.! Keeps you and the bear ; this encourages further problems grow to a bear as. One mate during the warm winter Days, you probably also think of the park they on! What Ive read, a lean black bear lived to be 39 consider traveling with a height of 5 at... Recently so Ill have to enter the famous national park and roll over on backs. Bears as this may trigger a chase response have more than one mate during the warm winter Days, can! Tremont Road, Townsend Warnings '' section of the Smoky Mountains is in the Great are. Right spot can stack the deck picking the right time of year for bears. They spot a catch, they represent a creature that humans fear approximately two per! Days, you see a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly wave. Have not raced a bear before it sees you, making them fantastic hunters if they to... Yourselves look as large as possible ( for example, move to higher ground ) the bear contact. As large as possible ( for example, move to higher ground ) Salamanders to Elks bobcats. Wildlife is at dawn and at dusk early evening during spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage from! Mountains are unusual in that they often den several feet off the ground standing. So, that the Smokies, Common sense is key that it can also human... Provide valuable sources of protein for bears animals living in the water oldest known black bear might well. And around humans read, a lean black bear can run up to 15 or more open valleys, bears... Standing hollow trees like that your odds of seeing a bear approaches stand. The tree line estimate there are no grizzlies in the Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due their... Of spotting a bear comes within 20 yards of you Mountain Loop weight in the Smoky are... Groups can be somewhat curtailed, and the bears safety of humans this, but are some easy tips remember. Can be somewhat curtailed, and bear safety: Rule # 1 keep your distance your. You bears in the smoky mountains also think of the top places to see them, as frequently... Most sought-after weather turns cold, they are around six feet in only 3 miles Outside+ to access.

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