Black Bears in the Smokies

The Smoky Mountain Black Bear

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected habitats for black bears in the eastern United States. With approximately 1,900 bears living within the park's boundaries, there's roughly two bears per square mile—meaning a bear encounter is always possible.

Black bears in the Smokies are not the aggressive grizzlies of western parks, but they are still wild animals that deserve respect. Understanding their behavior and knowing how to react during an encounter keeps both you and the bears safe.

For many visitors, seeing a black bear in the wild is a highlight of their Smokies trip. With the right timing and location, your chances of a sighting are excellent.

Where to See Bears

Cades Cove

The most reliable location for bear sightings. The open meadows bordered by forest create ideal bear habitat, and the 11-mile loop road offers excellent visibility. Dawn and dusk are prime viewing times. Bears are frequently seen in the fields, especially during berry season (late summer).

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Bears are commonly spotted along this 5.5-mile scenic loop. The dense forest and abundant food sources attract bears year-round.

Cataloochee Valley

Less crowded than Cades Cove, this remote valley on the North Carolina side offers excellent bear (and elk) viewing opportunities.

Hiking Trails

Bears can be encountered on any trail. Popular areas include trails near Newfound Gap, the Alum Cave Trail area, and Greenbrier.

Best Times for Bear Viewing

Time of Day

• Dawn: Bears are often most active in early morning
• Dusk: Evening feeding activity increases sightings
• Midday: Bears typically rest; sightings are less common but still possible

Seasons

• Late spring (May-June): Bears emerge from dens; mothers with cubs visible
• Summer: Active throughout the day, especially foraging for berries
• Fall (September-November): "Hyperphagia"—bears eat 20+ hours daily preparing for winter; very active
• Winter: Bears den, usually December-March; sightings rare

Bear Safety on Trails

Before Your Hike

• Make noise while hiking—talk, clap, or call out periodically
• Hike in groups; bears are less likely to approach groups
• Keep all food in a bear-proof container or your vehicle
• Know the signs of bear activity: tracks, scat, claw marks on trees

If You See a Bear on the Trail

• Stop and assess: Has the bear seen you? What is it doing?
• Don't run: Running can trigger a chase response
• Slowly back away: While facing the bear, slowly increase distance
• Make yourself known: Speak in calm, low tones so the bear recognizes you as human
• Give the bear space: If on a trail, step off and let the bear pass
• Never get between a mother and cubs: This is the most dangerous situation

If a Bear Approaches You

• Stand your ground—do not run
• Make yourself look large (raise arms, stand on higher ground if available)
• Make loud noises—yell, bang pots, use an air horn
• Fight back if attacked—black bears rarely attack, but if one does, do not play dead

Protecting Bears

Bears that become habituated to human food often become "problem bears" that must be relocated or euthanized. Help protect bears by:

• Never approaching or feeding bears (it's illegal and dangerous)
• Storing all food properly in vehicles or bear-proof containers
• Not leaving food scraps at picnic areas or campsites
• Properly disposing of garbage in bear-proof containers
• Reporting aggressive bear behavior to rangers

Photography Tips

• Use a telephoto lens (200mm minimum; 400mm+ ideal)
• Never approach a bear for a better photo
• If in a vehicle, stay inside with windows mostly closed
• Be patient—wait for the bear to move naturally rather than trying to get its attention
• Capture the bear in its environment, not just a portrait
• Watch your background—a bear against cluttered brush is less compelling

"Bear Jams"

When a bear is spotted near a road, especially in Cades Cove, traffic often stops completely—a "bear jam." If you find yourself in one:

• Stay in your vehicle
• Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for viewing
• Don't block the road for others
• Be patient—the bear will eventually move on
• Never exit your vehicle to approach a bear