One of the reasons why people take hikes in the Smokies is to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery! While it is pleasing to look at, the area is also home to many types of wildlife. The most popular is the bear, as they have a population of more than 1,500. You may have the opportunity to see one on your hike. While this experience is fun, there are some tips you must follow to ensure the safety of yourself and the animals. Read on to learn what they are! Here is a list of what to do if you spot a black bear in the Smoky Mountains while hiking:
What to Do If You Encounter a Bear Along the Trail
You’ll be happy to know that the black bears in the Smoky Mountains are pretty used to being around humans. This is because the national park receives more than 10 million visitors every year! With that being said if you do encounter a black bear on your hike, maintain a distance of 150 feet or more away! If you get too close, the bear may get spooked and elicit aggressive behavior, such as swatting the ground! This indicates that the bear wants to be left alone. When you are at a safe distance, the bear will continue its natural behavior. For the best possible view, pack a pair of binoculars!
Best Bear Safety Tips
There are some safety tips about black bears in the Smoky Mountains that every visitor to the national park should know. One of the most important is to travel in groups. This is because they tend to be noisier, so bears notice them at greater distances. Additionally, if your group includes a dog, use a short leash (no more than 6 inches) to prevent them from chasing after bears. When you go on the hike, keep your food secured. Black bears have a large nose and a good sense of smell. In fact, they can smell a food source from over a mile away. Don’t offer a bear food during an encounter. They have natural food sources in the area already, and human food may be harmful to them. It is also good practice to carry bear spray. This is an effective and humane way to properly defend yourself during a bear encounter.
How to Stay Bear Aware
Bears in the Smoky Mountains hibernate in the winter and are most active during the summer months. In order to avoid an encounter, it is important to be aware of bears. One way to do this is by keeping your eye out for signs that they are in the area. These include tracks, droppings, diggings, and overturned rocks or logs. Plan to hike in the early morning so that you don’t have to worry about running out of daylight. This way, these subtle signs are the most visible.
Now you know what to do if you spot a black bear in the Smoky Mountains while hiking! There are even more ways to have a safe and fun hike. Explore our other list of safety tips for when you go hiking in the Smoky Mountains!
