While the Smokies are home to many different wildlife, there is one animal that outnumbers the rest. That is, the great black bear! Take some time to learn more about them before you visit the area again. Here is a list of 4 interesting things about black bears in the Smoky Mountains:
1. They Have An Abundant Population in the Smokies
There are more than 1,500 black bears in the Smoky Mountains. This works out to a population density of 2 bears per square mile. They hibernate in the winter which means they are most active during the warmer months with July being their mating season. The cubs are born in mid-January to early February. You’d be shocked to learn that they weigh only half a pound at birth. However, they eat a lot and quickly turn into the mighty creatures we all know. The cubs stay with their mother for a year and a half before going off to start their own families. While black bears can be found all over the Smokies, you’ll see a lot of them wandering around Cades Cove in Tennessee.
2. They Have Unique Abilities
Black bears have unique characteristics which help them thrive in the wild. While they are typically found in lower elevation areas, they are great climbers thanks to their long claws. The 4 sets can reach lengths of 5 inches. Black bears also swim in the creeks to catch fish. It is important to note that black bears use these physical abilities in combination with some stellar senses. For example, they have a large nose and can pick up a scent from more than a mile away. As for hearing, their abilities are twice as sensitive than ours. What’s more? Black bears possess great color vision and see clearly for distances of up to 100 yards.
3. They Eat A Lot
We mentioned that black bears only weigh half a pound a birth. A male bear can end up weighing 660 pounds while a female bear (AKA: a sow) reaches a maximum weight of 175 pounds. So, what do they eat to grow big and strong? When it comes to their diet, black bears are omnivores. This means their diet consists of both meat and plants. Even though they eat both, around 85% of a black bear’s diet consists of berries and nuts. On rare occasions, they will also chow down on insects as well. In order to have enough fat storage to last them through the winter when they hibernate, black bears will consume about 20,000 calories a day during the fall. This is 10 times more calories than that of a typical human diet.
4. They Do More Than Roar to Communicate
While a black bear’s roar can be heard for miles, they may make their presence known with less intense sounds. In fact, black bears can make up to 20 different noises. They include squeaks, woofs, and grunts. A more unique way that black bears communicate with each other is by marking trees with their scent. They may also bite and claw the tree as well.
We hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! You may have the opportunity to see a live one on your next hike. Check out our other list of what to do if you spot a black bear in the Smoky Mountains while hiking!
