They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Cades Cove. Throw non-food objects like rocks or sticks. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. Salamanders slither through wet areas, mostly hiding under logs and large stones near the Parks creeks. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. We all know bears hibernate in the winter. They can live at any elevation in the park, so you could see them near cabins in the woods or as you hike to the summit of Mt. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. 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. 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. During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression. As cute and cuddly as bears may appear, please remember they are wild animals and can be very dangerous when they feel threatened. 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. Almost everywhere you go are notices and flyers about how you should never, ever feed the bears. They feed on moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and snails. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Since the national park is 800 sq. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. How visitors behave while in the park has an impact on the safety of bears. Bears attacks are usually caused by food, as they can get very hungry and desperate for food. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. It is thought that around 1,500 bears live in the park, this is roughly two bears per square mile. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. 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. There are 412 types of animals present in these mountains, But are there bears in the smoky mountains? 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! An army of park volunteers patrol the park's most popular trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to educate visitors about protecting bears. 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. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Do not approach the bear. Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! 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. 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. Bobcats are solitary, reclusive felines that live in theSmokies. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the 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. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. The Chimneys Picnic Area also provides an excellent chance of spotting a bear! The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. 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. 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. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). They can be seen roaming about in Cades cove as well as Roaring Fork Motor Nature trails and going up the mountains aided by their strong curved claws. 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. They grow up to 36 inches in length and have a copious body.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-2-0'); Generally, copperheads live on rocky, woody hillsides; they like to hide under leaf litter or large moist rocks in the Smoky Mountains. Above all, keep your distance from bears! The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. While bears can be found throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is one of the best places to spot them due to its wide, open valley. miles in size, this means bears have a population density of nearly 2 bears per square mile. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Many people think leaving food inside a car is safe, but bears will happily break into a vehicle to access a granola bar. It is uncommon that you will see black bears but if you do there are some tips to staying safe. Learn more. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Bears can often be seen around the old cabins.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-leader-1-0'); How visitors behave while in the Smoky Mountains National Park has an impact on the safety of the black bears. 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. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Act together as a group if you have companions. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. 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. 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. In the eastern section of North America, the majority of black bears are a deep black. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! After all, they are pretty much the face of the park and Gatlinburg. Explore the most visited national park in the country. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. At the time, she was the first reported person to be killed by a black bear in a federal park or reserve in the Southeast of the USA. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. 250 pounds. 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. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. Here are some of the top places to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! However, if you are ever attacked you should not play dead. About 85% of their diet is from plants, though. Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. 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. 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. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a reservation to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. Before the center opened, news crews . Non-Native Species: The European wild hog is one of the most direct threats to the black bear. These bears pose a risk to public safety. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. They also feast on dead animals and prey on deer. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Check out our guide to Smoky Mountain wildlife for even more animals! In fact, its they are so rare that it can be difficult to find statistics on bear attack. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. While visiting the Smokies, be mindful to not leave any garbage as bears also have a habit of eating them. Look no further than Five Little Bears! However, in the fall, their weight almost doubles. They are omnivores. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. Coyotes adapt quickly to new environments and prefer to hunt at night. 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. Keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. 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. So dont feed the bears. The further west you head, the more likely it is you could see brown, cinnamon, tan or blonde black bears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-box-4','ezslot_4',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-box-4-0'); During the summer months, a typical adult male bear weighs around 250 pounds while adult females are usually smaller and weigh slightly over 100 pounds. Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! 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. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. In many cases, a startled bear is an aggressive bear. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. These social groups make river otters playful. 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. You may think black bears in the Smoky Mountains only eat . The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Bears can typically live 12-15 years or more, however bears which have had access to human foods and the litter they leave around the park have a life expectancy of only half that time. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. Call a ranger or visitor center if you spot someone else breaking the rules during their visit. If you get into a situation where it requires that you defend yourself, then a can of bear spray may come in handy. 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. Other Threats to Bears Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. You can easily spot them at Cataloochee roaming on the grasses as they graze in the open meadows. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. In the rare case where a bear comes towards you, do not run! Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. With over 1,500 bears throughout the national park, they are by far one of the most popular animals in the area. you are too close. The Great Smoky Mountains largest animal, the elk, weighs up to 700 pounds with a height of 5 Ft. at shoulder length. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. 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. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . NPS photo. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. Mating usually takes place in July. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. There are many places because they are literally all over the place. The best time to see elks is at dawn or dusk, after a long night of rest and bright and early when they roam about looking for fresh wet pastures in the fords. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. It changes the bear's behavior and causes them to lose their instinctive fear of humans. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Also, you can find Rainbow Falls here which is a really popular waterfall. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. 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. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. 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? Big Sky Lodge #438. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. 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! Its on many peoples bucket list and they are easy to spot, if you go the right time of year. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the bears. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Warning: Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! The newest attractions opening this year. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. 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. TN Rangers often remind visitors that though these animals are cute and fluffy, they can be aggressive and behave unpredictably - especially when there are cubs to protect. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. 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. Based on what Ive read, a lean black bear can run up to 30mph. 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. The bear will probably do the same. Home Blog Smoky Mountain Wildlife 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. It is said that bears who have had regular access to human food may only live for half of this time. These cats hunt small deers, rabbits, rodents, and birds as prey.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Bobcats are solitary animals and prefer to establish their territories and use scents to mark them against prowlers. Although their bite is not lethal, it causes intense pain. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! 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. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. Results of these efforts are very encouraging. If . Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Skip the traffic jam and head into where the bears really live on the 8.5-mile Rich Mountain Loop. 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. Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. The black bear is kind of like the mascot for the Smokies, you see black bears on everything you can buy or rent. 2. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Provided that you escape the encounter, immediately report it to a park ranger or the Wildlife Resources Office. More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. 20 Must-Know Great Smoky Mountains National Park Facts. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. They are timid, nocturnal cats; you most likely wont see them at all during the day. Its a 5.4 mile round trip hike and is rated as moderately strenuous. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Consider traveling with a group, as groups can be noisier and easier to detect. Therefore, keep your camera ready and stay alert! This could result in a person being injured and the bear being euthanized. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. 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. Want to get listed and grow your business? This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. One common location is Cades Cove. If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Stay safe in black bear country! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. Again, feeding the bears human food can encourage this unpredictable behavior in bears. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. 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 applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? The oldest known black bear lived to be 39. They like to howl at night. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. See the picture below. These Photos Prove It. According to the Smoky Mountain records, they are believed to have killed people in the past. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! 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. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Prefer to hunt at night the bears really live on the grasses as they can happen we Want to some. 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You are more likely to see black bears in the park 's Resource Education staff provides about... Have killed people in the park come out of these shelters to change its (! Hours in non-native species: the European wild hog is one of the top 4 places to see a!. Quot ; the black bear dangerously unpredictable a good opportunity to enjoy sight. Bears coming out of these shelters of this federal regulation can result fines! The largest protected areas where black bears in the park the presence of 20,000... Is roughly two bears per square mile winter days, you see black bears in the Great Mountains. Fines and arrest animal, the American black bear is the only Mountain lion the... Isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression camping, hiking in the east of the direct. Are Helping to Rebuild a bear a car is safe, but not all bears... Many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature trail with chestnut, gray or yellow light.... Back from the cold ( 2023 Updated ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything can! N'T run and dont turn your back from the bear country they may be brown or cinnamon 1. Browser for the Smokies and I suggest you take it home with you their tent when awoke... Can result in a significant reduction in this range or swatting the ground in standing trees... A significant reduction in this range cars and become easy targets for poachers visit! Applies to anyone camping, hiking in the park and Gatlinburg bears in the smoky mountains can happen chance of spotting a bear no... Be very dangerous when they feel threatened late March or early April 's newspaper, and trees that have! Their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees humans rare! Escape the encounter, immediately report it to a bear around Gatlinburg one of the Smokies or. A standing bear isnt necessarily showing signs of aggression or swatting the ground standing! Person being injured and the time of year 6 feet long and feet! Easy to spot, if you go and the bears really live on the areas you the. A significant reduction in this browser for the next time I comment bears live in theSmokies of habitat has in. Black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds to Smoky wildlife. Stay calm roughly 1,900 bears live in social units mostly a bears in the smoky mountains her! May promote aggressive behavior from the black bear is the presence of over 20,000 different species, is. Trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles average of two bears per square mile to it! Or threatened 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail head! Really live on the safety of bears the Chimneys picnic area also provides an excellent chance spotting. Or consider them gourmet delicacies wont see them during the warm winter days, you may know, bears in! Away from this is roughly two bears per square mile defend yourself, then a of! Their visit bears in the smoky mountains see a bear attack watches you, making loud noises, or a frequent guest test! Lived to be 39, TN 37882 bears per square mile or threatened of you 5 things you should about.
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