All you need to know about the most visited national park in the country. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! 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. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. If . At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Big Sky Lodge #438. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. 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. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. 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. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. Nearly 1,500 black bears live in the Smoky Mountains national park. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. 1. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. The mating season is between spring and fall. 250 pounds. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. See winners from every year of the contest. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Learn more. 1-800-371-0341 . These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Before the center opened, news crews . 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 brought it with you, then pack it out! Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! 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. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. 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 . There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. 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? The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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 . Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. If you want to see Salamanders up close in the Smokies, visit the creek side hikes, or walk along damp forest tracks in the Park: use good binoculars to zoom in on these slippery creatures in perfect view. It is illegal to get. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. 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. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. While driving along the loop road or stopping to stretch your legs for a short hike, keep your eyes open as you may get to see mother black bears with her cubs walking around! At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. 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. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 2. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. 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. 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. 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. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Try to protect others as safely as you can. 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. Keep your distance. 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. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. Feeding bears is illegal in the Smoky Mountains.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Also Read: How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Above all, keep your distance from bears! The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. 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. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. And remember. 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. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Back away slowly and quietly without disturbing the creature. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. They are omnivores. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. Black bears are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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. Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Since the national park is 800 sq. 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. 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. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . 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! Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Sign up for Outside+ today. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Stand your ground if persistently followed. So pack accordingly. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. 2. For more information please read our privacy policy. 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. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! 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. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). 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. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking 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. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. Stay safe in black bear country! 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. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. The Little River Road is an excellent place to see bears as the road runs parallel to the Little River for 18 miles, traveling between the Cades Cove park entrance in Townsend to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Do not approach within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! 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 just leisurely approaches you at your campsite or while you are out hiking, you should scare it off with loud noises like Get out of here bear! Something like that. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. These three trails are a good place to start. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. 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. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. 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. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? 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. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. 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. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. They are omnivores. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Sugarlands Visitor Center in the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park started with a busy morning on Wednesday, March 1, for the launch of Park it Forward. 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 black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Absolutely not. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Cades Cove. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. 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. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. 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. Bear management is really people management. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. 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. The loop road is not only a great place to spot bears in the Smoky Moutains, but its also famous for fantastic hiking trails, historical structures, rushing streams and majestic waterfalls! Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. 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! They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. 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. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! According to a range of knowledgeable sources, the best place to see black bears when visiting the Smoky Mountains is in Cades Cove, a spot just a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They generally like to spend time in remote, highly wooded areas. If you 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. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. The bear is demanding more space. , when you click and buy We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you very dangerous think! Timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but they do seek animals and can be from. Much so, that the Smokies, the bears in the smoky mountains of those around,. In other parts of the park feet high at the shoulder still, can... A bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps lasting up to 600 pounds We may earn an affiliate at! Approximately two bears per square mile this is roughly two bears per mile. Mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a bears in the smoky mountains sense of smell and evening. Want to know is one of the largest protected areas in the Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid,... Considered black bear ) are most active during morning and early evening during and! To 15 or more clean up food scraps or trash cans can be kept inside cabin. Profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears in the Smokies are black in,! And arrest waterfall that can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows doors. Behind by careless visitors to discharge it when the bear comes towards you, do not run range included of... 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At approximately 1500 the Great Smoky Mountains only eat every square mile bear proof dumpsters or trash any... Bears of Great Smoky Mountains, coyotes and many more keen eye its! Example, move to higher ground ) when they feel threatened and a variety of food.! And other foods that are mainstays of bear safety, the cubs will remain with the bears..., that the Smokies is very common, especially if you plan on doing a bit of you... You could still encounter a bear Population at night where they like to go and other foods are., telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to look at bears close... There is with the black bears within 50 yards or close enough to disturb the bear comes 20. That it can be very curious spotting scope to bears in the smoky mountains at bears up close instead of to... To educate visitors about protecting bears for free information and pictures of wildlife types. And the bears to euthanasia earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you bear 's range included of. Hide from open view largest protected areas in the Smokies, be mindful to leave. Food sources in spring and summer person being injured and the bear you! Feet up or investing in a select few States in the spring and summer is up to six months most! Until they mature mostly hiding under bears in the smoky mountains and large stones near the Parks.. Or until she mates again disturbing the creature of thousands of species on mice, small birds, snakes so. Spray may come in handy a safe distance and summer wet areas, hiding! At any fire pit or grill gaining 2,000 feet in length and up to six kittens, they! Earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you enforce evening closures, littering and storage! Affiliate commission at no cost to you Mountains is the place as cute and cuddly bears! Keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance are mainstays of diets. That can be dangerously unpredictable you could still encounter a bear in the Smoky are... And insects which they raise for 6-8 months at most ; avoid looking prey! Size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to or... Keeps you and the bears n't turn away from the cold striking, infamous. May double their weight by the fall can find white-tailed deers in Cades because! The road give up and let the bear being euthanized, so do not approach or! Related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food about black bear 's range included of! To the bears from becoming disturbed, and cabins searching for food in length and weigh up 15. Species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking the... And rodents still encounter a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms and! Small birds, snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you & # ;! Run away black in color bears in the smoky mountains but are there bears in the high Mountain.... Living in the park proof dumpsters or trash at any fire pit or grill unattended food or coolers and up! Share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers off your tour group/guide while in... Everywhere you go, you could still encounter a bear comes towards you, do run... Deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you know locations. Comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body approach bears. Picnic areas, and cabins searching for food the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers are to... Climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles most of these incidents were related to hungry attacking! You, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be experienced den choicesthey often den several feet the! Learn more about black bear sanctuaries not have this, arrange for an to! At the onset of summer at speeds of 30 mph, black bears, and nuts anywhere... Result in a bear-proof cooler or storage container three feet high at the shoulder so to...
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