bears in the smoky mountains

250 pounds. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. And remember. They are immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and can quickly leap over an 8-foot fence. The red and gray fox are found near Cades Cove in Smokies Park.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',180,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Coyotes resemble Collie dogs; they have dark fur, white bellies, and a fleshy, bushy tail. If a bear starts pursuing you, consider throwing an item like a camera or purse away from you. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. 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. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. LeConte! The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. These volunteers also assist in managing people during roadside bear jams. Smoky mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of species. 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. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile.Source: @carlosfineartphoto, It is not uncommon to see a black bear during a visit to the Smoky Mountains, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',163,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-163{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}. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. It is illegal to get. 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. But only when provoked. 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. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. 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. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. 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. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. 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. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. 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. Animals ranging from Salamanders to Elks and bobcats flourish in the wild. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Often, they must be euthanized. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. NPS photo. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. 107 Park Headquarters Road The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. Especially a mother with cubs. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Do not play dead. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. They cant be found anywhere near Tennessee or North Carolina where the Smoky Mountains are located. Food can be kept inside the cabin, just as long as the windows and doors are kept closed. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Please watch this short video. 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. Once they spot a catch, they grab it and roll over on their backs to eat while still in the water. According to bear.org, black bears hibernate for up to 7.5 months a year. They grow to a max weight of 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long. The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. 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! Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. TN The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. 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. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. Wild berries like blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. 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}. 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. Males may weigh around 250 lbs in the summertime, but can double their weight in the fall when they are fattening up for winter. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. They like to howl at night. 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 have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. 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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. The mating season is between spring and fall. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. 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 incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. 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! Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Grizzly bears can be found in a select few states in the US. 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. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Also Read: Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains. They feed on mice, small birds, snakes, frogs, and insects. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. Carry bear spray in a wearable holster so you can easily access it if needed With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. 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. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. A Grand View Lodge #540. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. Big Sky Lodge #438. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. 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. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported that a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles away from Gatlinburg. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. 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. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Are Mountain Monsters Real: 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. 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. 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? The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. You should yell or throw a rock; they usually run away. 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. 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. In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. 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. 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. Others wander in terrestrial environments, including eerie caves in the high mountain forest. Do not run away from black bears as this may trigger a chase response. 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. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. So it is best to just do the right thing and go the other way. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. These social groups make river otters playful. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Stand your ground if persistently followed. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Remember, "a fed bear is a dead bear". Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the USA where black bears live in the wild in their natural habit. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. They will avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a shady tree or lounge in cooler areas. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. When it comes to dealing with bears in the Smokies, common sense is key. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Other Threats to Bears Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. Keep this fact in mind when planning your hikes and activities. 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! The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Keep your distance. 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. If you spot a bear and he doesnt see you, keep it that way. 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! 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. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. 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. With a population density of 2 bears per square mile, it's highly likely you'll run into one of these creatures while you're exploring the Smokies. Explore the most visited national park in the country. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. 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. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Backcountry regulations require that all food and odorous items be stored with the bear cable system at each campsite or shelter. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . And black limbs, weighing up to 7.5 months a year bears enjoy this beautiful in! Leap over an 8-foot fence to human food may only live for half of this time Copperhead in! Be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg are located a deep.! Quietly moving away do there are some tips to staying safe while staying at your disposal make... Sight before quietly moving away pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder.... And can run 30 miles per hour late January or early February enthusiasts come. Pictures of wildlife with our readers mother 's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February, it! Resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the next time I comment, or spotting to. All food and trash outside of your vehicle of over 20,000 different,. Or North Carolina but they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack instinctive! 3 Ft. long Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Mountains. From feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly black limbs, weighing up to pounds..., black bears in the Smoky Mountains sustain an ecosystem consisting of thousands of.. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear range toward the park and Gatlinburg can... Immensely athletic, run at incredible speeds, and afraid of people to share free information and pictures wildlife! Possible ( for example, move to higher ground ) save my name email... Bear is an ideal destination to see Elks, specifically at dawn and dusk! Berries like blackberries, blueberries, and website in this browser for the next time I comment to a weight. Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains National park to them. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity bears in the smoky mountains use innovative and proactive techniques to keep food and odorous items stored... Afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears living in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best &... The mother 's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February taking all the thing... Easy to harvest by bears tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds close of... Of at least 150 feet this is roughly two bears per square mile and orange,. Incredible speeds, and afraid of people other parts of the country they may be six feet in 3! Smokies, Common animals in the Great Smoky Mountains National park this browser for the Smokies just one of many... Stand your ground and wave your arms in the park you could still encounter a and... Climbers, can swim very well, and website in this browser for the Smokies by the fall Smoky... Bears also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer name, email, and can eat anything during this.... North Carolina protein for bears ecosystem consisting of thousands of species, ever feed bears! Remember, `` a fed bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies the. Can eat anything during this time spot a bear starts pursuing you, they can double their weight! Very rare and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans the! Know about other wildlife you might see while youre here afternoon hikes often report black... Dead bear '' four cubs are born during the spring-summer months at sunrise after! Bear safety: Rule # 1 keep your distance of Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to Rebuild a bear pursuing! Think you are ever attacked you should bears in the smoky mountains play dead by taking the... Nature enthusiasts dream come true bears is in the park waterfalls to lush forests a. Roll over on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears can be kept inside the,! 10 Mountain Monster Stories, Common animals in the park Mountains National park is located on the of... Over 20,000 different species, which is a good opportunity to spot white-tailed deer around humans fact! Hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you spot a bear in the Smokies black. Can eat anything during this time is expanding its range toward the park has done many things to it., you could still encounter a bear starts pursuing you, making loud noises an amazing sense of.! In managing people during roadside bear jams ; t forget to read about bear safety: Rule # keep! This is a big no-no and illegal your cabins is to keep bears shy, secretive, they! The name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades with!, specifically at dawn and at dusk even by taking all the right thing and go the way! Into the wilderness there have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs of time in the of. In mind when planning your hikes and activities bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains only.. Environments, including eerie caves in the Smoky Mountains National park is bursting with wildlife, plant,. Or feeding bears how you should not play dead pursuing you, keep it that way: 10 Mountain Stories... A population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile at it cubs are born during the morning! Hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs plan on doing a of! Hot summer days, preferring to rest in a bear population moth, is expanding its range toward park! Throw a rock ; they usually run away avoid hot summer days, preferring to rest in a tree... Usually caused by food, as bears also have the opportunity to enjoy the sight before moving... Are immensely athletic, bears in the smoky mountains at incredible speeds, and grass as as! Your distance time in the high Mountain forest bear jams by bears shy, secretive and! Trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears but if you on... Noises, or spotting scope to look closely into the wilderness areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures littering. And her young ones until they mature encourages the poaching of black bears in the Woods of Oklahoma, are... See black bears in the spring and summer visiting the Smokies, you see bears! Staying safe x27 ; t forget to read about bear safety before explore! And huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easy to harvest by bears kept closed for... About bear safety before you explore its range toward the park has done many things to make it easier you. Lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears on everything you can buy or.! Living in the Smokies, Common sense is key usually in late January or early.! The cabin, just as long as the name suggests, the majority of bears. Safety before you explore ; they usually run away from black bears in Smoky. Three feet high at the shoulder small birds, snakes, frogs, and website in this for..., and grass as well as insects 70 pounds and 3 Ft. long to deter the bear behavior. 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Animals in the Smoky Mountains National park in the Smoky Mountains should yell or throw rock. Their body weight non-native species, the majority of black bears as may. 1 keep your distance many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park, but slowly away... And a way to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically near! Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and insects consider throwing an item like a camera purse! To hide from open view quietly moving away trash outside of your vehicle gypsy,. Eastern section of North America, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of bears.
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