National Black Bear Day in the Smokies

In honor of Black Bear Day, Anakeesta has put together this guide to raise awareness about Black Bears in Tennesee.

Tennessee’s only native bear is the American black bear. The largest population is in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about ~1,900 bears). Learn when bears are most active, what to do if you see one, and how to help keep bears wild.

Black Bear Facts

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), “Black bears are one of Tennessee’s state treasures and no other animal exemplifies the wilderness experience like them.”

While black bears are usually tolerant of humans, they should always be treated as wild animals, whether in residential or backcountry areas.
Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact, however as human development continues and bear numbers increase, occasional interactions will be unavoidable.
Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable.
Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression.
Startled bears will often confront intruders by turning sideways to appear larger, make woofing and teeth clacking sounds, salivate, lay their ears back and slap the ground with their paws. These are warnings for you to leave the area.
Bears will often stand on their hind legs to get a better view or a better sense of hearing and smell.

Tips on Co-existing with Black Bears

TWRA offers multiple tips to visitors and guests on how to co-exist with bears in the Smokies.

Never feed or approach bears!
If a bear approaches you in the wild, it is probably trying to assess your presence.
If you see a black bear from a distance, alter your route of travel, return the way you came, or wait until it leaves the area.
Make your presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear in an attempt to scare it away.
If approached by a bear, stand your ground, raise your arms to appear larger, yell and throw rocks or sticks until it leaves the area.
When camping in bear country, keep all food stored in a vehicle and away from tents.
Never run from a black bear! This will often trigger its natural instinct to chase.
If a black bear attacks, fight back aggressively and do not play dead! Use pepper spray, sticks, rocks, or anything you can find to defend yourself. If cornered or threatened, bears may slap the ground, “pop” their jaws or “huff” as a warning. If you see these behaviors, you are too close! Slowly back away while facing the bear at all times.