Here at our campground in the Smoky Mountains, we sometimes receive questions from those who are interested in visiting the area, but wish to know more about the bears that live here in the Smokies. If you want to know more about where you can see bears in the Smoky Mountains, learn about valuable safety tips, and more, we’ve got you covered! Simply read on to find out more:

What kind of bears live in the Smoky Mountains?

The Smoky Mountains are home to around 2,000 American black bears, which means there are approximately two bears every square mile! Black bears are omnivores, and although their diet is mostly made up of plants such as berries and nuts, they do eat some insects and animal carcasses.

Where can I see bears in the Smoky Mountains?

While there are bears throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are a few areas that tend to see higher concentrations of bears, making them ideal for visitors looking to spot these animals. Cades Cove is one location that tends to be ideal, as there are wide open views that allow for spotting of animals that are far away, compared to the dense forest that encompasses much of the park. Another great area is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, as the bears love to climb the trees on either side of the road!

How do I safely view bears in the Smoky Mountains?

While black bears are not typically aggressive towards humans, they are wild animals and the possibility always exists for a negative encounter. As a result, it is important to follow a handful of key safety rules when seeing bears in the Smoky Mountains. Make sure that you always stay at least 150 feet away from bears, while using binoculars or another magnification device to view them. If a bear approaches you, remain watchful and change your direction. If it continues to approach, stand your ground and shout at it, act aggressively (you can throw rocks or other objects in its direction), but do not turn away from the bear and do not run. In the extremely unlikely event of a bear attack, do not play dead, instead fight back and the bear will most likely retreat. Remember, this scenario occurs only in the rarest instances, but it is important to be prepared.

Will I see bears here at Camp RiversLanding?

While we love our furry neighbors, in the interest of keeping both our guests and the bears safe, we take measures to minimize the chances of bears visiting our campground. We encourage all of our guests to ensure that no food is left unsecured at campsites, and our policies prohibit pets from being left unattended outside. If you do see a bear here at our campground, follow the same safety procedures you would elsewhere, and return to your RV.

Now that you know a bit more about bears in the Smoky Mountains, you are one step closer to being able to plan a trip that allows you to safely view these incredible animals. And, of course, if you are coming to the area to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, there is nowhere better to stay than Camp RiversLanding! Reserve your RV site at our Smoky Mountain campground today and get ready for a fantastic adventure.