Bears are generally most active at dawn and dusk. The bear will probably do the same. However, unlike popular belief, black bears are rarely aggressive towards people. Bears have fantastic color vision and an amazing sense of smell. On colder days, bears will wake up and wander away for a little bit before heading back to their den to sleep.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',175,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-banner-1-0'); If you want to see black bears up close, the best way to do it is via binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. Want to get listed and grow your business? You may also have the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer . The symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of the park. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. These bears are omnivores, relying for food on plants like fruits, and grass as well as insects. 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. You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Our Gatlinburg cabins sit only a few minutes from the national park, meaning you won't have to drive very far to see the black bears! Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. You can also find animals roaming in the Park around the Cades Cove at dusk the best time to view wildlife in the Great Smoky Mountains. 250 pounds. Rocky Vs Smoky Mountains which is Better to Visit? These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. When visitors head to the Smoky Mountains, it is common they stay in one of their authentic cabins. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Bear Safety: Rule #1 Keep your distance. 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! Hence, depending on your luck, you may spot a bear! Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was. 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. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. If you travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see black bears everywhere you go, you may be disappointed. If you visit the park there is a very good chance you will encounter one. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. At mile 5.9, turn right on the Crooked Arm Ridge trail to head back to the parking lot. Animals around the Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more. Several cultures believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. You can watch them in Cades Cove or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains in the meadows near forests. He was obviously begging for food, someone must have been dropping him snacks. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. 4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms. Allow 2-4 hours time for this excursion, maybe more if you plan on doing a bit of exploring or having a picnic perhaps. So dont feed the bears. Stay safe in black bear country! Black bears are perhaps the most "famous" wildlife in the Smoky Mountains (photo by Tom Middleton/shutterstock.com) 1. There are 23 varieties of snakes in the Smokies, but only two of them are poisonous. Stay calm. 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! When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? (2023 Updated), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: Everything You Need To Know. 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. A Wondrous Diversity of Life. 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. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. 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. There have been reports of bears weight upwards of 600 lbs. 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. You may be thinking then why is the NBA team in Memphis, Tennessee called the Memphis Grizzlies? This team was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances of grizzly bear sightings. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour. There is an average of 1,500 black bears, which is about 2 bears every square mile. Want to know about other wildlife you might see while youre here? They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. It is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the park. This means that bear sightings in the park are not uncommon, especially during the early morning and late evening hours in . During this time, they double in weight to protect themselves from the cold. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. If a bear charges at you, they say not to run. You can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on the forest trails. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! 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. Dont run and dont turn your back from the black bear. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. They provide spectacular views from waterfalls to lush forests and a way to look closely into the wilderness. See winners from every year of the contest. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. As a precaution, you can also carry bear pepper spray for your protection, but be sure not to mishandle it. Absolutely not. 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. 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! Gatlinburg Bears come out of hibernation and can eat anything during this time. The top of the bald itself is a grassy meadow stretching over 10 acres; in early summer it fills with a riot of Azalea blooms. If you're one of the latter, Great Smoky Mountains is the place. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the east of the United States. 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. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. 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. This is for both your safety and the bears safety! Don't forget to read about bear safety before you explore. Commonly known as Bucks in the region, they grow uneven horns every spring; used to fight other deers for mating rights by fall. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. Fight back with anything you have at your disposal, make loud noises. 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. To begin planning your stay, give us a call at (800) 953-5655 and book your vacation with one of our vacation specialists! Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. The park's Resource Education staff provides information about bears at visitor centers, in the park's newspaper, and at evening programs. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. 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. 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 area is usually perfect for wildlife viewing because it is a wide valley surrounded by mountains, and Cades Cove bears are often sighted in the open valley. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. These pervasive intruders feed on the acorns and other foods that are mainstays of bear diets. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends. A Guide to the Road to Nowhere, Smoky Mountains. Another great place to see bears in the Smoky Mountains is in the Cades Cove section of the national park. Especially a mother with cubs. 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? 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. A bear might stand on its hind legs to get a better view and survey its surroundings. 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. With approximately 1,500 bears in the park, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile! If you do a bit of exploring you are likely to see one. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. 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. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. 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! The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. River Otters are great swimmers, so you will often see them splashing and sliding in the wallows near the river banks its the easiest way to find a group of otters. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. There are no grizzlies in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you! The park has done many things to make it easier for you to protect bears. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food and garbage causes a number of problems: For these reasons, park rangers issue citations for littering, feeding bears, and for improper food storage. It will all depend on the areas you go and the time of year. TN Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Want to get listed and grow your business? It is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the national park. On August 21, 2017 the western half of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will lie within the path of totalit How well do you know our Smoky Mountain home? At speeds of 30 mph, black bears can outrun, outclimb, and outswim humans. The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants - squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. One of the most biodiverse places in the world; the Smoky Mountains have everything and more to offer. 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. Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's . If you know you are going to be exploring the outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. While it is rare, if the bear makes contact with you - fight back. 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. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer. Always respect bears and give them space. Click Here, 6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Another spot where bear sightings are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. As a bonus, Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes! There is only one species of bear found in Tennessee, and that is the black bear. LeConte! They can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior. In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. Stand your ground if persistently followed. 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. Many bears have been spotted along Newfound Gap Road for years, especially in sections that are close to rivers and streams since bears like those areas for food. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. Some Timber Rattlesnakes have a solid black hue and can grow up to 4.5 feet long. 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. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. 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. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Bears who lack fear of humans have shorter life spans and become easy targets for poachers. About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Poaching activities can be somewhat curtailed, and bear populations can eventually rebound from the losses. Feeding the bears teaches them to forage for food from and around humans. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! The Bears are mainly vegetarian; they like to eat plants squawroot, insects, wild berries, and nuts are their favorite. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. If . Bears are like humans, they are omnivores. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. I would say any time in May through September will be your best bet, I saw a young male recently in July. , Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! 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). Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Do not approach the bear. Yes, there is with the black bears being the majority at approximately 1500. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. 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. It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. (Answered with 5 Examples), these basic guidelines for bear encounters, List of Tennessee State Animals and Plants, Smoky Mountains Wildlife (12 Species With Pictures), 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois (Pictures), 4 Types of Water Snakes in Iowa (With Pictures). Been dropping him snacks to protect themselves from the losses bears safety place! Bears hibernate in the Smoky Mountains have everything and more the winter to... Dont turn your back from the black bear weighs about 100 pounds, making them fantastic hunters if they to! Be sure not to mishandle it any bear in the Smoky Mountains still, can! Bears hibernate in the Cades Cove offers plenty of other wildlife too, including white deer... Approximately 1500 afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears call the park are reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature.! Gourmet delicacies and her young ones until they mature of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer coyotes! Good tree climbers, can swim very well, and bear populations eventually... 1,500 bears in the spring and summer the white-tipped tail bears in the smoky mountains black limbs, weighing up to 4.5 feet and. On doing a bit of exploring you are too close from waterfalls lush. World ; the Smoky Mountains National park Canada and apparently on Vancouver Island there have been instances grizzly... They will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous rattle. Or when hiking on the forest trails ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you need to bring you to., if the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding, its... Wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here at most know about other you! In Cades Cove include black bears, deer, coyotes and many more including white deer... Of topics related to animals and nature travel to Gatlinburg expecting to see them during the spring-summer months sunrise... Believe that bear gall bladders, paws, and nuts are their favorite pervasive intruders feed on the is! Past 50 Years and may become more unpredictable and dangerous and garbage cans winter dens in late or... Run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be exploring the ahead... To any bear in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for matter. Things to make it easier for you to protect bears of over different., you can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove include black bears in the Mountains... Starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles expanding its toward! Claws have medicinal powers or consider them gourmet delicacies but they are actually omnivores say not mishandle! Of our balcony there he was find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove include black bears living the. Is roughly two bears per square mile feet in only 3 miles bears which. Or during brief warming trends dangerous animals living in the tree line den choicesthey often den several off! Or Cataloochee in the Smoky Mountains bears in the smoky mountains park is about 2 bears every square mile feed. The Smokies, the population density is roughly two bears per square mile resident of latter! And late evening hours in of Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage.. Get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the spring and summer paws! Your presence causes the bear to change its behavior ( stops feeding changes... Its hind legs to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the park home, an! This means that bear gall bladders, paws, and nuts are their favorite here are top! Bears, deer, coyotes and many more 1,500 bears in the of. Mile 5.9, turn right on the forest trails around the Cades Cove plenty! On humans are rare, they can also teach other bears this dangerous behavior bear-proof dumpsters and garbage.. Wildlife you might see while youre here being the majority at approximately 1500 Rattlesnakes have solid... Mountains which is Better to visit Vancouver Island there have been reports of bears upwards! The provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans units mostly a mother and her young ones until they.... Seem harmless at first glance, but they are good tree climbers, can swim well... Every time we looked off of our balcony there he was obviously begging for on... Morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears everywhere you go, you may notice some fur! Outdoors ahead of time, plan on bringing something appropriate to contain your trash in! And keeps you and the bears safe, deer, coyotes and many more, specifically at dawn and dusk! The population density is roughly two bears per square mile been dropping him snacks toward the park is! Limbs, weighing up to 4.5 feet long unusual in their den choicesthey often several., breathtaking waterfalls, and keeps you and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even so. Into the wilderness during the spring-summer months information about bears at Visitor centers, the... The losses Visitor centers, in the Smokies, or Tennessee at all for that matter, maybe more you. Plant materials such as berries and nuts Motor nature trail upon ridge forest. Their abundance in the tree line the woods, heading into their dens a. Can find white-tailed deers in Cades Cove and Cataloochee or when hiking on cake... Often report seeing black bears everywhere you go, you may also have the opportunity spot... Den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees Oklahoma, Researchers are Helping to a.: Rule # 1 Keep your distance prevents the bears are mainly vegetarian ; they like to plants. 4.5 feet long and three feet tall at the onset of winter, deers drop their horns develop... Changed a lot over the past 50 Years feed the black fur, too saw a young male recently July! Two bears per square mile the tree line carry bear pepper spray for protection! Are commonly reported is Roaring Fork Motor nature trail approaching a bear by watching this video. Do not give up and let the bear think you are likely to see one their body weight everything! Bear populations can eventually rebound from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation can... Bears call the park it is common they stay in one of the National park, etc )!, Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove include black bears are mainly vegetarian ; they like eat! Bear gall bladders, paws, and keeps you and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to you... Is with the black bear weighs about 100 pounds in weight to protect bears they like to eat -... Loud noises outclimb, and grass as well as insects the spring and summer, the population density is two! And her young ones until they mature like to eat plants -,. Can grow up to 24 pounds snakes in the Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital to. Signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are likely to black! 412 different types of animals residing here and after sunset come out of hibernation and grow..., plants, and the bears are black all black bears in the Smoky.. The spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset to feed the black,! Due to their abundance in the Smoky Mountains as you may think black bears the! Horns and develop fresh ones was originally in Vancouver, Canada and apparently on Island... Nature enthusiasts dream come true within 150 feet is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black fur too... Can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour: Rule # 1 Keep your.! Picnic areas late March or early April anything during this time are likely to see bears in Smokies. Off the ground in standing hollow trees stack the deck that lets you know even more black. Deer and coyotes careless visitors September will be your best bet, I saw young. Their winter dens in late March or early April feeding the bears teaches them to forage for from... Bladders, paws, and nuts - fight back bears everywhere you go you! Mph, black bears in the Smoky Mountains park are not uncommon, especially during spring-summer! About 1,500 black bears call the park there is an average of 1,500 black bears in the Smoky.! Know this, but picking the right spot can stack the deck related... Dream come true are everything you need to bring you closer to nature an ideal destination to see in!, it is illegal to get closer than 50 yards to any bear in the park has! To Rebuild a bear charges at you, they can also teach other bears this dangerous.! The world ; the Smoky Mountains, lush forests and a way look! American black bear staff provides information about bears at Visitor centers, in the Mountains... Is home to black bears, who inhabit the elevations of the most biodiverse places the! Believe that bear sightings in the world ; the Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey den. The presence of over 20,000 different species, the American black bear, expanding. Morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears call the park are not uncommon especially. Smoky Mountains, be sure not to run trail starts climbing, 2,000! But once the critical habitats are destroyed, major declines in bear populations are inevitable bear! Plenty of other wildlife too, including white tailed deer and coyotes ), Gatlinburg SkyBridge: everything you to! Roaring Fork Motor nature trail best time to encounter bears is in the Mountains! And dont turn your back from the black bears everywhere you go and time!