The Smoky Mountain Black Bear
The Smoky Mountains are full of amazing wildlife! People from all over the country come to Cades Cove to catch a glimpse of these animals. Here at Cades Cove Heritage Tours, the black bear is the most popular and people are always asking questions about them. In this week’s blog, we will tell you all you need to know about the Smoky Mountain black bear.
Black bears tend to be solitary animals and like to roam large areas. Most of their diet consists of grasses, insects, berries, and roots and will eat any time the opportunity arises. They will also eat fish and some small mammals.
During the winter, black bears will spend the months dormant in their dens. Most black bears den in burrows, brush piles, and caves but bears in the Smokies often den in standing hollow trees. Mating takes place in July and females will give birth in the winter dens. Momma bears will come out of the den in late March or early April with their cubs. The cubs will remain with their mother for about 18 months.
All About Black Bears
Black bears are the most common bear in North America. Typically, black bears live in forests, but can also be found in mountains and swampy areas. They are excellent tree climbers. Despite being called black, black bears can also be blueish, brown, and cinnamon-colored in other parts of the country. The black bears in the Smokey Mountains are all black in color and will range from 100 pounds to 600 pounds. The bears can be up to six feet long and stand up to three feet tall from the ground to shoulder.Black bears tend to be solitary animals and like to roam large areas. Most of their diet consists of grasses, insects, berries, and roots and will eat any time the opportunity arises. They will also eat fish and some small mammals.
During the winter, black bears will spend the months dormant in their dens. Most black bears den in burrows, brush piles, and caves but bears in the Smokies often den in standing hollow trees. Mating takes place in July and females will give birth in the winter dens. Momma bears will come out of the den in late March or early April with their cubs. The cubs will remain with their mother for about 18 months.
Where to Find Black Bears
Bears are most active in the spring and summer and best seen in the early morning and late evening hours. Black bears can be found all over the Great Smoky Mountains and it is estimated that 1,500 bears reside inside the park. With those numbers, you have a good chance of sighting a black bear. Large open areas make bear sighting much easier.Staying Safe Around Black Bears
While bear attacks on humans are very rare, they are wild animals and you should treat encounters with caution. Never feed a bear or any other wild animals. Getting closer than 50 yards of a black bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is illegal.
Bear Viewing with Cades Cove Heritage Tours
For the best chances to see a black bear on your trip to the Smokies, book a tour with Cades Cove Heritage Tours. We offer public, private and celebrity tours and the special opportunity to see black bears is always present in Cades Cove. Check out our website for all tour details and dates. While we cannot guarantee that wildlife will be present for every visitor, the chances are in your favor!
CADES COVE HERITAGE TOURS
865-448-8838
P.O. Box 268
Townsend, TN 37882-0268
info@cadescoveheritagetours.org
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