During your winter visit to the Smokies, you have the exciting opportunity to spot wildlife! Black bears are the most popular creature in the area with a population of more than 1,500. However, they are sleeping in their dens for a majority of the winter which makes it harder to spot them during this time. Even so, there are many other animals you can see wandering in the cooler weather. Read on to learn more about them! Here is a list of some animals that you can see during your winter visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys are the biggest birds that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The males weigh up to 24 pounds and have black tips on their feathers. Another characteristic that is specific to males is the distinctive “gobble gobble.” They use this loud and shrill sound to attract mates. While females don’t gobble, they make other sounds to communicate, such as clicks and purrs. You will see turkeys pecking around on the ground, flying, or up in the trees. Their size doesn’t slow them down, as turkeys can run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour in short bursts. They can fly even faster at speeds of 55 miles per hour. As for staying warm, turkeys fluff up their feathers to trap air as insulation. The best place to see wild turkeys is in Cades Cove.
2. River Otters
River otters were reintroduced to the Smokies in 1986. These adorable creatures are very active during winter time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They weigh up to 30 pounds making them the largest member of the weasel family. They spend most of their time on land, but they have characteristics and abilities that allow them to thrive in water too. For example, they have 2 layers of fur. The outer layer is coarse and waterproof while the inner layer is soft and provides warmth. As for abilities, river otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes while under water. They can also dive to a depth of 60 feet. The best place to see them in the Smokies is around the area’s rivers and creeks, such as Abrams Falls. You will most likely see river otters in groups because they are very social animals.
3. Elk
You may also see elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during winter. They are big animals, as the males weigh more than 700 pounds. One of their distinct characteristics is their thick fur. It helps keep them warm in the winter. You may see them leisurely grazing on the grass in low fields, but they are very fast animals. In fact, they can run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour! In addition, they have great senses of sight, hearing, and smell. Some places to spot them in the Smokies include the Oncaluftee River Trail and Cades Cove.
Now you know about some animals to see in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the winter. Want to know even more about winter wildlife in the Smokies? Check out our other list of all you need to know about seeing animals in the Smoky Mountains during winter!
