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Aug 21, 2024 · Bears in the Smokies. 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 inhabit all elevations of the park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 1,900 bears live in the park.
- Bears (U.S. National Park Service)
Black bears are one of the largest predators living in Great...
- Bears (U.S. National Park Service)
- 1,500 Black Bears in The National Park
- Approaching Within 150 Feet Is Illegal
- Black Bears Are Omnivores
- Double Their Weight by Fall
- Most Likely See Black Bears in Cades Cove Or on Trails
- Not All Black Bears Are Black
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, biologists estimate there are about 1,500 black bears. At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. 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. LeConte!
Within the national park, it is illegal to approach black bears within 50 yards or 150 feet. You should use binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope to look at bears up close instead of trying to physically get near them. Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe.
Many people think black bears in the Smoky Mountains are carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! About 85 percent of their diet is berries, plants, and nuts. For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion.
We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Male black bears can weigh about 250 pounds on average, while a female black bear weighs about 100 pounds. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months s...
Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. While seeing these creatures is never guaranteed, there are places where you are more likely to see them. Cades Cove is a popular place where many people see black bears. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see th...
You probably don’t know this, but not all black bears are black! In the Smoky Mountains, almost all of the bears are black, but in other regions, the bears can be brown or even cinnamon. You may notice some brown fur around the black fur, too. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Want to know about other wildlife you mig...
Jul 1, 2023 · These bears are primarily herbivorous, with their diet consisting of berries, nuts, plants, and occasionally insects or small mammals. Black bears in the Smoky Mountains come in a variety of colors, ranging from black to cinnamon or even blonde. Black bears are excellent climbers and can quickly ascend trees to escape danger or access food.
Black bears are one of the largest predators living in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but the majority of their diet is made up of plants. Eighty-five percent of a Great Smoky Mountains black bear’s diet comes from berries and nuts. Black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains also eat insects and animal carcasses when they are available.
Apr 24, 2017 · According to numerous sources, the best place to see black bears is in Cades Cove, a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee. Black bears love Cades Cove for its ecosystem and the abundance and variety of food sources. Wild berries like blueberries, blackberries, and huckleberries grow throughout the valley and are easily harvested by ...
Aug 12, 2020 · 4. Little River Road. The Little River Road is known for being one of the best scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of the best black bear viewing spots in the Smokies. This 30-mile stretch of road runs from the Sugarlands to Cades Cove, spanning the Little River almost the entire way through an extremely remote part ...
People also ask
Are there two black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains?
What do black bears eat in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Where to see Black Bears in Tennessee?
Are there Bears in the Smokies?
Are all black bears black?
Do black bears hibernate in the Smoky Mountains?
Sep 5, 2024 · 2. Black Bear Hibernation. As the winter approaches, black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin preparing for “hibernation.”. One of the ways they do this is by doubling their weight so they don’t have to look for food as much in the winter and can rest. Male black bears typically weigh about 250 pounds, while ...
