The black bear is the most popular and sought-after photography subject in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park visitors all want to catch a glimpse of the large mammals, and will cast reason and good sense aside in order to land a "trophy" photo.
But black bears are wild animals. The park is not a zoo, but a habitat. A she-bear with cubs is a wondrous sight, but she will defend her offspring with her life, and will attack if she feels threatened.
In 2009, park officials have indicated that extraordinarily large black bear populations have led to an increased number of incidents with visitors. Some back country campsites and trails have been closed as a result.
The good news is that you'll have an excellent chance of seeing a bear during a visit to the park this year. The bad news is that you may become involved in a bear "incident" if you are not wary. Always keep in mind:
And finally, make one of the three park visitor's centers your first stop on your next visit. Get the very latest information about active areas and closures. A little information and a lot of common sense go a long way towards a safe park experience.
And you just might save a bear's life by doing so!
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I wonder why it is so difficult for people to understand that they do more harm than good when the begin to feed a wild animal. Thanks for the information my friend.
Thanks for your tips. It is always fun to see bears.
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/roykelley
Ran across some bears in the Smokies some years back. Thankfully, they were not that interested but sure scared the heck out of us...
Richard,
Great photos, and even better advice. Many folks don't realize how powerful "Teddy" is, even when relatively small.
Black bears look cute but can case a ton of damage if not respected.
These guys are regulars in my yard, If we leave out a bird feeder it's 50/50 that it'll be on the ground in the morning.
We saw a black bear the last time we went hiking in the smokies. It was cool, a little scary, but we were smart. Kept our distance.
Richard - Good advice but some people just don't get it. I've seen little kids allowed to get a lot closer than they safely should.
Gary...
It is exactly like gators ... except that bear cubs are cute and cuddly! lol
Don...
We actually have a bumper sticker that says "Garbage Kills Bears!" Thanks, and have a great Sunday.
Roy...
They are beautiful animals ... and it is a lot easier to see them now! THX
Richard,
On a completely different scale it kind of reminds me when a seller says "don't worry, my dog is friendly." Maybe, but a lot of animals act differently when they think you're invading their territory.
We used to have a lot of bears in the neighborhood when I lived in a rural area of NJ. Always scared the poop out of me.
Rich
Michael...
Most times you won't even know they're there. I think that I have had only one bear encounter when I was out on the trail. A she-bear and two cubs so it frightened my wife.
Bill...
And when they're small ... mama is ALWAYS around. Thanks.
Terry...
There was a death in the Smokies a few years back to a human ... but MANY bears are euthanized because of stupid people. Thanks.
Richard- all great points to remember. I have spent many years camping in bear country, and, even with all precautions, have had some closer encounters than I would have desired (separated by a very flimsy tent wall). I have seen plenty of black bears, but still would like to see a grizzley in the wild, but not up close and personal.
Richard, we saw some Black Bears a few years back when we went to the Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. The closest I wanted to get was the toy stuffed bear I bought for my Wife. Thanks for the tips.
I think this sums it up best, "You are a guest in their world."
I love nature and animals and I intend to leave them the way I found them.
And how close were you to get those shots?
Richard...good info. People forget these are wild animals and are dangerous.
Richard,
Great pics! My husband Gene watches all nature shows and loves animals. I'm with Andrea..how close where you to get these shots????
The only bear I have ever seen in the wild was in the Smokies about two years ago around this time.
I've seen a couple of bears in the wild they are a very impressive animal. Good advice to allow then some distance.
Richard, I think it's a fine idea that you are taking the photos and I am getting to see them. If I get that close to a bear I do want it to be in a cage at the zoo. They are beautiful, but I don't want to meet one face to face.
Richard: I expect this blog post to show up on late night TV.. The Colbert Report. He loves a good news story about bears.
Richard, thank you for the great info and the beautiful pictures. You have to tell us how close you were -- well no, you don't have to tell -- but would you? They are remarkable creatures! Great post!
Living on the outskirts of the Everglades we have all kinds of visitors around the neighborhood. As far as the alligators, we usually know they are around when the ducks are hiding. As far as bears, we actually had one roaming around the neighborhood for a few weeks. It was finally caught and returned to the wild. It was roaming around the residential area for about a month.
Happy Monday!!
Lori
I once got a picture of a black bear from the comfort of my car while in Yellow Stone and I really have no desire to get any closer than I was. That is the reason they invented lenses that can get a great picture from over a mile away.
Awesome! I am always on the lookout here in the Poconos for Black Bear!