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Smoky Mountain Wildlife

Your Guide to Spotting the Types of Tennessee Wildlife at the Park

Date: September 8, 2023

If you are planning to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and are interested in the incredible wildlife that call the park home, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together some of the best tips for spotting all different kinds of Tennessee wildlife that live here at the national park. Just remember to always keep your distance from the animals and not to disturb them in any way, including by feeding them. Following park rules regarding wildlife is an important part of safeguarding these incredible creatures! With that in mind, here are some of the best tips for spotting wildlife here at the park:

10 Most Common Smoky Mountain Birds

Date: August 4, 2023

There have been more than 240 species of birds recorded in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 60 of these species are year-round residents of the national park. That’s why the Smokies are one of the best bird watching areas. Here’s a list of some of the most common Smoky Mountain birds you’re most likely to see when you visit the national park.

Fun Facts About Elk in the Smoky Mountains

Date: July 24, 2023

When you think of wildlife in the Smoky Mountains, you probably think of deer, black bears, and turkeys. However, the largest animals that can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are elk. Elk in the Smoky Mountains were once hunted to near extinction, but now they are growing in number and are becoming more common to see by those visiting the national park. Here are some of our favorite facts about these amazing animals.

5 Interesting Things to Know About the History of Smokey Bear

Date: May 4, 2023

The most famous national park bear of all time is Smokey Bear, who helps to keep the woodlands safe here in the Smoky Mountains! The iconic fictional bear was created back in 1944 as part of a public service campaign and his slogan has changed several times over the years, but his message remains the same - it is ultimately up to us to prevent wildfires! Here are 5 interesting things to know about the history of Smokey Bear:

3 Things to Do if You Encounter Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

Date: April 29, 2023

When it comes to wildlife viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the thing that visitors usually want to see the most is the black bear! After all, these animated animals are an iconic symbol of the Smokies and you’ll find them on t-shirts, magnets, and practically everything else at the souvenir shops throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! While you can safely view bears from a distance of at least 50 yards, you may be wondering how to react if you stumble upon one while hiking! Here are 3 things to do if you encounter any black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

4 Interesting Facts About Salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains

Date: February 25, 2023

Did you know that the most populous animal in the Great Smoky Mountains is also one of the smallest? The Smokies are deemed the “Salamander Capital of the World” because the area is home to over 30 species. During your visit, one of the best places you can find them is around Grotto Falls. The rocks, water, and cool climate make for an excellent salamander habitat. Before you begin your search though, take some time to learn a little more about these small creatures. Here is a list of 4 interesting facts about salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Top 3 Safety Tips About Viewing the Smoky Mountain Wildlife

Date: January 30, 2023

One of the primary reasons why so many folks love visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is for the chance to see some of the park’s wildlife! While much of the park is covered in dense forest, there are several open areas where you can see white-tailed deer, black bears, elk, raccoons, turkeys, and many other animals! While it may be tempting to get up close for that perfect photo, you’ll want to keep safety in mind at all times- both for yourself and for the animal. Here are the top 3 safety tips about viewing the Smoky Mountain wildlife:

Top 3 Reasons Why You Can See Salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park During the Winter

Date: December 27, 2022

You may be surprised to know that there are 30 salamander species that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In fact, the population of salamanders in the park is so high that they would collectively outweigh all the mammals in the park! While most mammals, amphibians and reptiles spend the colder months in Tennessee hunkered down in burrows waiting for the warmer weather, winter is actually a busy time for salamanders! Here are the top 3 reasons why you can see salamanders in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the winter:

3 Reasons Why Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains Don’t Truly Hibernate

Date: November 8, 2022

If you’re enjoying a winter hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might be shocked to catch a glimpse of a black bear in the forest! Many folks tend to believe that bears hibernate throughout the winter season, but the truth is that the black bears in the Smokies are not true hibernators at all! While they do spend most of their time in their dens during the winter for long periods of sleep, it is not uncommon to see bears actively roaming around Cades Cove Loop Road and other areas of the park in January, February, and March! Here are the top 3 reasons why black bears in the Smoky Mountains don’t truly hibernate:

Our Favorite Facts About 3 Popular Animals in the Smoky Mountains

Date: September 26, 2022

The Great Smoky Mountains are a must-visit place for many reasons. They are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world, yet their beauty remains timeless. Another important aspect of the Great Smoky Mountains is the wildlife. This iconic landmark has an expansive population of animals that call it home. In fact, the Smoky Mountains has over 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, and more than 67 native fish species. We’re going to tell you about some of our favorite Smoky Mountain wildlife. Here are some interesting facts about 3 popular animals in the Smoky Mountains!

Top 4 Ways to Increase the Odds of Spotting Wildlife in the Smoky Mountains

Date: September 20, 2022

If you have your heart set on seeing wildlife during your visit to the Smokies, there are several things you can do to increase your chances! While there is never a guarantee you’ll spot a specific animal, there are certain places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities! You’ll also find that the time of day, as well as the time of year, plays an important role in increasing your chances of seeing black bears, white-tailed deer, and other critters! Here are the top 4 ways to increase the odds of spotting wildlife in the Smoky Mountains:

Top 3 Reasons Why the Smoky Mountains Are One of the Nation’s Best Bird Watching Areas

Date: July 6, 2022

Whether you’re a serious bird watcher or just love the sight of colorful birds, just wait until you step inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The park is a premier place to find birds as it offers a diversity of habitats and microclimates, thanks to a range in elevations! You’ll want to bring your binoculars and camera along for your adventure in the Smokies as you never know what you might spot in the forest! Here are the top 3 reasons why the Smoky Mountains are one of the nation’s best bird watching areas:

Reptiles in the Smokies: Learn about the Turtles, Lizards and Snakes in the Smoky Mountains

Date: May 9, 2022

While you probably know that the Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their black bear residents, there are plenty of other critters found in the park too - including reptiles! There are three major groups of reptiles found within the park, including turtles, lizards and snakes. You’ll be happy to know that most of these reptiles are harmless and the chance of running into a venomous snake is very rare, but always remember to keep a “hands off” approach when viewing wildlife in the park! Read on to learn more about the snakes in the Smoky Mountains and other reptile friends:

Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains

Date: March 28, 2022

Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park’s famous black bear! It has been estimated that about 1,500 bears live in the park, which is equal to a population density of roughly two bears per square mile. Therefore, your odds are pretty good if you plan to spend any significant amount of time in the park! If you want to increase your chances of seeing a bear, there are several locations where sightings are especially common! Here are the top 4 places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains:

6 Facts You Should Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains

Date: January 30, 2020

When you think of the Smoky Mountains, you probably also think of black bears. They’re just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! Everyone wants to see a black bear while they are visiting, and we want to share some interesting things about these beautiful creatures! Check out these 5 facts you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains:

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