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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Stay safe in black bear country! Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Thank you for visiting! When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. LeConte! First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. 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. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. 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 . The Gray Fox differs from the red ones with their black-tipped tail, unlike the red foxes with a white tail. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Since the national park is 800 sq. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, and the area is easily accessible with the 11 mile loop road. Another place to see a bear is Ober Gatlinburg. 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. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Before the center opened, news crews . This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. One of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is at Cades Cove, a broad valley surrounded by mountains that offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the national park! 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. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. They like to howl at night. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. 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. 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. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. 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. LeConte! This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. The best time to spot wildlife is at dawn when they come out of hiding to drink from the creeks or look for prey. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. 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. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. 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. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. 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. I think if you are sensible about bear encounters, keep your distance, and follow the guidelines in the link above, it is not something you would ever have to seriously worry about. 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. The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. 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. Head left at the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge trail at mile .5, keeping an eye out for mountain laurel blooming among the hardwoods. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. Do not play dead. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Look no further than Five Little Bears! 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. 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. 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? Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. You may be thinking then why is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies? This team was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. 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. 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. If you are planning a trip to the Smokies, you may be wondering when the best time to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 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. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. 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}. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? There is only one species of bear in Tennessee and that is the black bear. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. 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. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. The red-cheeked salamander is lungless and breathes through their skins, and visitors are advised not to touch or try to pet one if they spot it. If you are hiking through the mountains, its easy to see The North American River Otters having a good romp along the river banks. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. Want to get listed and grow your business? I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. 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. And they hunt small prey while alone and can be found in all campgrounds and areas... Activities as if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit that can seen. For protein, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and the Appalachian... 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