Perhaps the most famous resident of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Article courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
An iconic symbol of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the most famous resident of Great Smoky Mountains National Park which provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate approximately 1,500 bears live in the park. While seeing a bear is a wonderful experience, it’s important to always be “bear aware.” Please review the following tips and information so you know what to do if you encounter a bear in town or on the trail. Learn more on what to do if you see a bear.
Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains
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. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. At one time, the black bear’s range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range.
Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. 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. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. 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.
Bears, like humans, are omnivores. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears.
Bears have color vision and a keen sense of smell. In addition, they are good tree climbers, can swim very well, and can run 30 miles per hour.
Black Bear Facts
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer.
Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Dens are usually hollow stumps, tree cavities, or wherever there is shelter. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. They may leave the den for short periods if disturbed or during brief warming trends.
One to four cubs are born during the mother’s winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. Females with newly born cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again
Learn more at NPS.gov/GRSM/Index.htm.
A Kind Reminder: Bear Safety in the Smokies
If you’re reading this, let it serve as a friendly—yet important—reminder: while the Great Smoky Mountains are full of beauty, wonder, and unforgettable moments, they’re also home to one of nature’s most intelligent creatures—the black bear. Just like us, bears enjoy a good meal without working too hard for it. That’s why leaving food in your car, trash outside your cabin, or cooking with windows open can quickly attract a curious visitor. Bears have an exceptional sense of smell—they can detect scents from over a mile away. This spring and summer, that delicious dinner you’re cooking could turn into an open invitation.
Bear Safety Tips for Visitors:
1. Always lock your car doors. Bears have learned how to open car handles. If there’s food inside, it’s an easy target.
2. Secure all trash. Use bear-proof containers or take it to a proper disposal site as soon as possible.
3. Avoid leaving food out on porches, picnic tables, or grills. Even empty wrappers can draw attention.
4. Close windows and doors, especially while cooking. Don’t tempt a bear with the scent
of bacon or barbecue.
5. Never feed bears. Not even “just once.” Once they associate humans with food, their survival becomes dangerously compromised.
If You Encounter a Bear:
1. Do not approach.
2. Stay calm and back away slowly.
3. Make a loud noise to scare it off.
When bears repeatedly find human food or garbage, they lose their natural fear of people. This puts them—and you—at risk. Your actions today help ensure that future generations get to see our most famous residents.
Let’s all do our part to protect the Smokies—and the bears who call it home.
