what to do when you encounter a black bear
At that place is a lot of wild fauna to see in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and N Carolina – and it tin be exciting for visitors to see animals in their natural habitat.
But information technology'due south of import to remember that these beautiful creatures are wild. You are a invitee in their home.
Are there blackness bears in the Smoky Mountains?
Yes! If the Smoky Mountains had an official mascot, it would probably be a black bear.
Biologists judge that there are about one,500 bears that live in the Bully Smoky Mountains National Park.
In fact, it's ane of the largest protected areas for black bears in the eastern United States.
Practise blackness bears attack humans?
It is rare for a blackness bear to attack a human. Only it can happen.
A report by The Wildlife Society documented 59 fatal attacks betwixt 1900 to 2009.
To give that in perspective, that puts the risk of strangling yourself in your own bedsheets roughly 160 times more dangerous.
That existence said, it's extremely of import to keep your distance from a wild black carry. Information technology is the safest thing to do for both humans and bears.
Specifically, it is illegal to willfully approach a bear inside 150 feet or any distance that disturbs the bear.
And since bears can sometimes be unpredictable, it's smart to brush upwards on some safety tips earlier planning your trip to the Smoky Mountains and know what to practice if you see a bear.
1. Avoid a confrontation
While I am probable one of many people who consider blackness bears to be cute, it's of import to remember that they can be dangerous.
They are, in fact, fast runners, proficient swimmers, first-class climbers and have very dandy senses.
Read Also: How fast tin a black conduct run? The answer might surprise you lot
Understanding behave beliefs is essential for bears and humans.
According to the National Park Service, to avoid a bear encounter or black bear attacks, you should:
Keep your distance
If you do see a black bear, keep a safe altitude.
Again, the Peachy Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits budgeted any wildlife within l yards or any distance that disturbs the wild fauna.
Getting too close to a comport may cause the behave to see you as a threat. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route.
It is besides a proficient idea to not hike or travel alone.
Do not feed them (or offering access to food)
Feeding the bears and leaving trash behind will encourage them to exist close to humans, and information technology is dangerous for both humans and bears.
Also, feeding them is besides prohibited by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Bears that are no longer afraid of humans have a higher run a risk of being euthanized by park services.
Hence, feeding them is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved.
Never become well-nigh a cub
Females are protective of their cubs, and the run a risk of an assault increases greatly if a bear thinks her cub is in danger.
Cubs typically stay with their mothers for most two years from nascence.
Then, even if a cub looks orphaned, the mother bear is probable to be nearby.
Read Also: Deport cubs discovered in Sevier County domicile after gas leak reported
Exit pets at dwelling
Dogs and other pets (except for service animals) are prohibited on whatsoever park trail in the Smoky Mountains National Park, except for the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Bears can hands detect pets and pet food.
Deport spray
If it offers peace of heed, you lot may acquit conduct pepper spray in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the strict purpose of protecting yourself from bodily harm against aggressive wildlife.
Spray should, however, be a last line of defense.
According to the NPS, you tin can belch the spray or other deterrent if the bear approaches you within twenty yards.
two. Stay calm
If y'all notice that a carry seems to have taken an involvement in you, remember to stay at-home and do not approach it.
A blackness bear may snap its jaws or swat the basis every bit a alarm.
The comport is unlikely to attack unless provoked. If the bear is in a continuing position, it's a sign that they are only curious.
Read Too: Why black bears don't really 'hibernate' in the Smokies
Speak calmly
Speaking calmly in a low voice tin "remind" the bear that you are not prey.
Selection up any small children
Yous do not want the bear to mistake modest children for casualty.
Move away slowly
If possible, walk sideways to remain non-threatening.
Attempt to scare it away. In addition, if possible, make loud noises by banging pots or pans.
Keep eye contact with the bear. Do not endeavor to run or climb a tree. Motility to higher basis if possible to make yourself look bigger. Y'all can also slowly spread your artillery to make yourself appear big.
three. Know what to do in an (unlikely) assault
In the improbable event that a black acquit does stem you or set on your tent, do Not play dead. (This tip only works for brown bears and grizzly bears).
Endeavor to scare it away. Too, use deport spray if it is available.
Y'all tin can also fight back by using sticks, rocks, fists, etc., aiming for its eyes and snout.
If you fight back, most black bears will but surrender.
Call up, these tips are meant to be informative. Certainly, the best defense with a black acquit is not to have an run across at all.
Never attempt to provoke a bear to fight, and respect their space when you are visiting their dwelling house. Most black bears are typically not interested in humans.
In summary, if you're planning a trip to the Smokies and want to know what to do if y'all see a black comport – just follow the simple instructions mentioned in this commodity.
Effort to avert confrontation, stay at-home, proceed your eye on the carry as you dorsum away (sideways if possible). Fight back in the unlikely event of an assault.
Have you ever seen a black carry in the Dandy Smoky Mountains? Allow us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: While we practice our best to bring you lot the most up-to-date information, attractions or prices mentioned in this article may vary by season and are field of study to modify. Opinions expressed here are the author's lonely, not those of whatever mentioned business concern, and have not been reviewed or endorsed these entities. Contact us at info@thesmokies.com for questions or comments.
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