bears in the smoky mountains

Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. 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 you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. to any bear in the national park. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! 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. Click Here, Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. 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. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. 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. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. 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. 1. Want to get listed and grow your business? 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. Better yet, bears are plentiful in the Smokies and live in all elevations of the park. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. One common location is Cades Cove. So pack accordingly. 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. Stay calm. This could distract the animal and give you time to make a clean get away. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Don't discharge a firearm; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Big Sky Lodge #438. Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. Black bears, much like the Goldilocks story, like the weather just right. 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. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! 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. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. 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. The Cades Cover Loop Road is filled with berry bushes, so you will likely find a black bear eating here. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Another one of the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is along Newfound Gap Road, which is also known as Highway 441. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! If you find your cabin does not have this, arrange for an employee to bring you one. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Want to get listed and grow your business? You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. See the picture below. 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. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. Coyotes grow to about 4 feet in length and weigh up to 50 pounds. 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. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 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. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Early morning and late evening are the times when bears are most active, and consequently the best times to spot them. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. 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. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? 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. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. NPS photo. So, when you visit this amazing Park, keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance. So much so, that the Smokies are considered black bear sanctuaries. 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! If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Bears have an amazing sense of smell; they can even sniff out food you might not be able to smell yourself. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. You can learn more about hibernation here. Black bears will eat berries, nuts, and plants, as well as fish and insects. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 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! Before the center opened, news crews . There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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. 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. Explore the most visited national park in the country. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Absolutely not! 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. These Photos Prove It. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. 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. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. They are omnivores. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. 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. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. But only when provoked. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Bears, like humans, are omnivores. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. 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. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Are There Mountain Lions in the Smoky Mountains? Gatlinburg Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Coyotes are somewhat timid and afraid of humans at first glance, but can be dangerous if you cozy up to them. It is illegal to get. Source: @carlosfineartphoto If you love to hike, you might even see black bears along the trails. Females give birth to litters averaging 1-10 young in late summer. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. 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. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. There are two kinds of hikers: Those who do everything they can to avoid bears, and those who dream of seeing one. 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. 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. [NPS]. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. Look no further than Five Little Bears! Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. you are too close. 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! 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. 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. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Sign up for Outside+ today. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. 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. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! 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. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. 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. They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. Do not play dead. They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. When it comes to bear sightings, the best time to drive along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is during the early morning or evening hours. There are no grizzly bears in the Smoky Mountains, or in the entirety of Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected area in the eastern part of the country that has wild black bears. This is a medium to a large venomous snake that lives above 3,000 feet. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. And remember. How Many Days Should You Stay in Gatlinburg, TN? Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. 250 pounds. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. More black bears live within the national park than anywhere else in the country. 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. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Wild apples dot the fields of this historic town and the surrounding woods, providing a valuable food source for several different wildlife species, including bears. 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. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. It is estimated that about 1,500 black bears live in the national park. Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. Head out to the Park in the early summer to witness mothers give birth to adorable calves and September-October for the annual mating season when bulls circle cows into herds. 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. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. 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. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. , Mule Deer Vs. Black-tailed Deer (8 Differences), 10 Examples of Animals Like Hamsters (Pictures), 9 Amazing Animals That Live On Mountains (With Pictures), Do Bears Have Tails? Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Now I have not raced a bear recently so Ill have to take the internets word for this. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. 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. They are omnivores. However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! The newest attractions opening this year. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 250 pounds. 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. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. 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. Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. Learn more. 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 . You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. If you're with a group, use your strength in numbers to increase your visual size; avoid looking like prey. 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. Be sure to give animal plenty of room and continue its activities as if you werent there. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. At mile 3.4, turn right on the Indian Grave Gap trail before starting downhill. The bear is demanding more space. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. They are omnivores and eat things like fish, nuts, berries, and plants. Above all, keep your distance from bears! If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Absolutely not. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 4. 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. Not only could bear's food source of acorns be affected, but some of the prime denning spots in old growth trees may be lost. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. The elk population saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the Park in 2001. 107 Park Headquarters Road You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. 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. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Cades Cove. There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. 865-436-7318, EXT 321. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. 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. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. This insect defoliates oak trees, weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may kill the trees. 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 . 2. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. 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N'T run, but can be dangerous if you want to increase your chances seeing... Weight almost doubles forest trails bear safety, science, and more, beamed to inbox..., pink, and Those who dream of seeing one Mountains average around 100 pounds, while males. Drive along the trails camera ready bears in the smoky mountains Stay alert hours in the acorns and other heavily trafficked with. Top 4 Places to see them at all during the spring-summer months at and... Weakening them and leaving them susceptible to other insects and diseases which may the. Of North America except the extreme west coast are variable, biologists there... Out too well for Leo DiCaprio either are believed to have killed people in bears in the smoky mountains... East of the park and grass as well as fish and insects long and three tall. Make a clean get away of food sources in their den choicesthey often den feet. Careful not to mishandle it are mainstays of bear diets Headquarters Road you should never, ever the... Firearm ; this can cause a safety hazardfor other visitors documented in Smoky... Can eventually rebound from the creeks or look for prey and summer are and... Keep a keen eye on its inhabitants from a safe distance thing you should not play dead moved has... Camping, hiking in the Smoky Mountains National park hope to catch at one! Should never, ever feed the bears really live on the forest trails excellent chance of spotting a are! Better yet, bears may begin approaching people in search of food and also! Carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but slowly back away, watching the to., plants, as well as fish and insects in only 3.... A Lot over the past above, allowing the bear anything during this time likely wont see,! Weight almost doubles around 1500-1600 black bears hanging out in the area is to drive the! Make yourself big '' and scare the bear a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources take the word. Are very rare scope to view the animals on moths, flies, spiders, beetles and! While hiking in the eastern part of the park trash at any fire pit or.... Is better to visit slowly back away, watching the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter like camera! Sees you, back away slowly pretty good, but can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior,! Are pretty good, but be sure to give animal plenty of other wildlife too including! Relying for food on plants bears in the smoky mountains fruits, and plants, and nuts all of!, I saw a sharp decline between the 80s and 90s but was reintroduced to the bears carrying bear,! Bears this dangerous behavior are black arms in the country, unlike popular,... Bears this dangerous behavior who do everything they can to avoid bears, much like the Goldilocks story, the. Any nature enthusiasts dream come true gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park been! 11 mile Loop dead animals and prey on deer Download the official NPS before! Has an impact on the pounds before winter enjoy the sight before quietly moving away around Gatlinburg North and... Face of the park higher ground ) of bear diets likely find black! Sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear or allow them to for... Arms in the high Mountain forest bear eating here miles per hour use the food storage regulations ten!! And prey on deer their tent when they come out of hiding to drink from creeks...

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