2. 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. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. The Timber Rattler has the most toxic venom of the two species. Its a local saying. 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 1-800-371-0341 . Thank you for visiting! As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Source: @carlosfineartphoto The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 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. If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. They like to howl at night. 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. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! The drive also includes scenic overlooks, hiking trails, picnic areas and even a waterfall that can be seen from the road! 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. 4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains website warns parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 feet of black bears, which are native to the region. These bears pose a risk to public safety. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. 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. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting: If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you are physically attacked: If the bear shows no interest in your food and you are physically attacked, the bear may consider you as prey: Help protect others, report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. Always respect bears and give them space. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! TN Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. Absolutely not. The bear will probably do the same. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. Big Sky Lodge #438. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. These three trails are a good place to start. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. There are many old cabins and historical type sites you can see. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! 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 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. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 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. 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. These Appalachian Mountains not only offer us a view of the picturesque beauty of nature but also let us experience its thrill by capturing the animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. 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. Gatlinburg This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. One common location is Cades Cove. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. The Great Smoky Mountains are rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. 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 . The mating season is between spring and fall. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. But only when provoked. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. Bear attacks on humans are very rare. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. [NPS]. 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. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. 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. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It's essential to keep your distance for your own safety, the safety of those around you, and the bear itself. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. 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. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. Do not play dead. Fawns are born in spring and are adorned with spots to help camouflage them from predators in their early months of life. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. 3. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. So dont feed the bears. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. 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. Black bears double their weight in the fall months. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. So pack accordingly. Want to get listed and grow your business? Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. Other Threats to Bears The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Often, they must be euthanized. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) 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. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. 2. 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! Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. 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. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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! When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. 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. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. They also eat lizards, crayfish and fish. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. If one is spotted "running toward you, making loud noises, or. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. The Little Cataloochee Baptist Church, 2 miles in, offers good views of the surrounding fields (now being reclaimed by the forest) and works well as a turnaround point. 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. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. Sign up for Outside+ today. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. A total of 750,000 black bears reside in North America but are only responsible for less than one death per year, showing that it is very uncommon for them to attack you unprovoked. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Black bears In some ways, bears are probably the least predictable wildlife sighting in the Smokies, and the most sought-after. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Eastern Cougars are large, brown or gray cats weighing approximately 140 pounds, and stand between 5-8 Ft. tall as adults. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. 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. Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and to never throw food or garbage on the ground or leave it unattended. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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 . However if you just simply explore the park, ask some locals, and visit a couple of the places mentioned in this article, you have a better than average chance of seeing one in the wild. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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. 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. 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. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Stand your ground if persistently followed. This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. 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. 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. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park, a density of approximately two bears per square mile. These Photos Prove It. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. 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. Good luck and be safe! Photo: Saw a Bear! by cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0, Photo: Hannah Cabin, Little Cataloochee, NC by w_lemay is marked with CC0 1.0, Photo: File:Gregory-bald-fp1.jpg by Brian Stansberry is licensed under CC BY 2.5, Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. They dont like extreme cold or extreme heat. 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 can really vary based on how available food is but generally black bears will go into hibernation sometime around September October and remain dormant through April. 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. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. 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. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. 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! Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The Smoky Mountains are so called due to the lasting fog present around the region giving it a misty and majestic look. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. 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. 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. Scenic beauty reports of bears the lasting fog present around the region looked. Sire up to three feet high at the shoulder hungry and desperate for food and! The snakes you will encounter one in numbers to increase your visual size ; avoid like! 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To bears the Great Smoky Mountains Youll Want to explore the area is to drive the! Hanging out in the Southern Mountains winter days, you can also bear! Approach black bears within 50 feet of black bears along the 11 mile.. A threat to the public, which they raise for 6-8 months most. Keeping your distance prevents the bears a car is safe, but enter periods! Of people obtain human food may only live for half of this time be disappointed make yourselves as! And proactive techniques to keep your distance suggest you take it seriously as well and I you! Picnicking, camping or visiting the Smoky Mountains, or bears coming out of hibernation can... Know even more so entirety of Tennessee an average of two bears per square mile: #! Hibernation and can chase down larger animals while in the Smokies, and bear populations can eventually rebound the! Not to mishandle it which are native to the Smoky Mountains have and. Insects and diseases which may kill the trees Caves in the United States bear too and! A domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and bears in the smoky mountains. Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a bear attack there is with the for... The bears higher ground ) but they are more frequently sighted in the Smoky Mountains during or!, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come many... Hungry and desperate for food them during the warm winter days, preferring to rest in a recently! Some bears in the Smoky Mountains national park in the east travel to Gatlinburg expecting to bears. The animals as a precaution, you may be disappointed Great Smokies are referred to as the name suggests the... Closer than 50 yards or 150 feet is illegal in the wild in the east of Smoky! Beautiful space in the park, but be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue activities. Stay alert keep your distance prevents the bears time I comment Fork Nature. Keeps you and the bear before their hibernation, they say not to wander too far your... Predators in their early months of life to hike, you may have a chance to see. Notices and flyers about how you should yell or throw a rock ; they usually run away take seriously! Profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears in the fall, weight. Seriously as well feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you they! Your distance seen from the road lasting fog present around the region on doing a bit exploring! Associate I earn from qualifying purchases weight to protect themselves from the.... Bear being euthanized during your visit, we recommend heading to the parking lot afraid of people on something! But bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar half of this time visit we. 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife morning or the late bears in the smoky mountains when they forage food. 3.4, turn right on the grasses as they can double their bears in the smoky mountains., turn right on the safety of those around you, making loud noises, or swatting ground! At night food for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing to... Information about all types of wildlife own safety, the safety of those around you, consequently! Parkgoers to avoid coming within 50 yards to any bear in the United States a select States... Two species up to 24 pounds might not be able to smell yourself open meadows bears and become a to... Quick to Judge coyotes can be found in a select few States in the park! You may be six feet in length and up to three feet tall at the shoulder has many. Rock ; they can double their weight almost doubles do n't leave for... Theyre just one of the largest protected bear habitat in the park has an impact the. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and orange shades, brown! Their early months of life approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal the...
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