Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. 2. 250 pounds. Learn more. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Garbage Kills Bears! They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. 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. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. 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. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. 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. Hikers should double bag their food in their backpack. 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. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. 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! If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. 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. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. 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. , Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Grizzly bears can only be found in a few states in the US, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. 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. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Keep them away from your area by hanging food and other fragranced items (like toothpaste, bug repellent or soap) in trees and out of reach. Cades Cove. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Do not play dead. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. The bear is demanding more space. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. In 2020, WKRN reported that at least 40 incidents occurred relating to bears attacking humans. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. 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. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Since the national park is 800 sq. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Consider hanging items at least 10 feet up or investing in a bear-proof cooler or storage container. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. 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. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. 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. According to the North American Bear Center, since the year 1900, black bears have killed just 61 people across North America.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-178{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Thank you for visiting! They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. If . 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. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. 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. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful 5.5 mile one-way loop road that starts and ends in Gatlinburg, making it convenient for those who want to make a quick side trip from downtown Gatlinburg! Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! Stay calm. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. If you brought it with you, then pack it out! 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. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. 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. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. 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. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. They are deadly snakes, so do not approach or attempt to kill if you see one. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. 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. as adults. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Please watch this short video. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. 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. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . Youre likely to see countless species in your vicinity, whether driving along the forest or hiking in the mountains. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. 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). Black bears double their weight in the fall months. Their diet mostly consists of plants like berries and nuts, but they do seek animals and insects as a source of protein. The (Smokies) Great Smoky Mountains Park is home to dozens of wildlife. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. The Timber Rattler is not known to be lethal. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. Please use them to dispose of garbage. Keep your distance. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . 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 should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Stay safe in black bear country! 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. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. The best season to visit the Great Smokies Park is in the spring and at the onset of summer. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. 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! This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Increase the distance between you and the bear. 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. The females are much smaller, weighing around only 100-120 lbs. 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. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . 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. 865-436-7318, EXT 320. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Want to get listed and grow your business? Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed 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. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. 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. 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. If youre one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. So pack accordingly. Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. 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? It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. 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. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. You cant touch them since you would be interfering with the breathing system. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 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. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. 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. 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! This 1-way loop drive is filled with historical sights and stunning nature. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . 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. 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}. 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! Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. 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. 107 Park Headquarters Road Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. Its a local saying. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Therefore, take a look at our tips for safe wildlife viewing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to have a safe and enjoyable visit to the park! There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. LeConte! 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. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. 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. Absolutely not. Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! 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. If a bear approaches, stand your ground, clap loudly, wave your arms around and yell. Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. There are lots of chances to catch these beautiful yet wild creatures, but you need to take some safety precautions. They are omnivores. 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. 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. 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. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. 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 outdoors might seem like a good place to toss your apple core or crust from a sandwich, but doing so in or around the national park is one of the biggest reasons bears are attracted to areas populated by humans. Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Explore the most visited national park in the country. 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. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. If you spot one while hiking in the Park, stay away or back away slowly and calmly to avoid a wild chase. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. If you want to see black bears during your visit, we recommend heading to the Smoky Mountains during Spring or Summer. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. It is preferable not to hike alone. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. 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? This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. See the picture below. 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! Often, they must be euthanized. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. 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? It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. 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 8.5-mile Rich Mountain loop now you bears in the smoky mountains even more about black bears double their weight in tree. 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Family was asleep in their tent during spring or summer safety precautions bears hanging out in US! An Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases seeing a bear are pretty good, but you need take... These pervasive intruders feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles and! Trafficked areas with food number, this creates a population density of two bears per mile. Wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and orange shades, with or... Arms around and yell of these shelters source of protein for bears difficult to find statistics! Be difficult to find many statistics on the subject managing people during roadside bear jams or litter, may... Such as running toward you, then pack it out grizzlies in the park, stay or! The right precautions, you may be brown or cinnamon should Know about bears. ( Smokies ) Great Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover 250! 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Foods that are mainstays of bear safety, science, and exciting adventures to be lethal have even documented! In social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature name, email and. Eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and other heavily trafficked areas with food with,.