Many visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park inquire about the presence of brown bears. While the park is home to a robust and healthy bear population, these animals are exclusively American black bears (Ursus americanus), not brown bears (Ursus arctos). This distinction is important for understanding the park’s ecology and for visitor safety.
Understanding Bear Species in the Smokies
Despite their name, American black bears exhibit a wide range of fur colors, including black, brown, cinnamon, and even blonde. This color variation can sometimes lead to confusion with true brown bears or grizzlies, but it does not indicate different bear types in the region.
Distinguishing between an American black bear and a brown bear involves looking at several physical features beyond fur color. Brown bears have a prominent muscular hump on their shoulders, which is absent in black bears. Their facial profiles also differ, with brown bears often having a more dished or concave profile, while black bears tend to have a straighter facial profile. Additionally, brown bears possess longer, straighter claws suited for digging, whereas black bears have shorter, more curved claws that aid in climbing trees.
Black Bear Presence and Behavior
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports an estimated population of approximately 1,900 American black bears, equating to a density of about two bears per square mile across all elevations. These bears are omnivores, with their diet primarily consisting of plant materials like berries and nuts, which make up about 85% of their intake. Insects and animal carrion provide additional protein sources.
Black bears are solitary animals, though females with cubs are a common sight. They are most active during the early morning and late evening hours in the spring and summer. During colder seasons, black bears retreat to dens. While they enter long periods of sleep, they do not truly hibernate and may emerge from their dens during brief warming trends.
Staying Safe in Bear Country
Encountering a black bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires adherence to specific safety guidelines. Maintain a safe distance; it is illegal to approach within 50 yards (150 feet) of a bear. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for viewing wildlife rather than attempting to get closer. If a bear changes its behavior due to human presence, it indicates you are too close.
Proper food storage is also important for bear safety. All food, garbage, and scented items must be secured in bear-resistant containers or inside a vehicle to prevent bears from accessing human food. Bears accustomed to human food can lose their natural foraging behaviors and may become a public safety risk.
In the event of a bear encounter, remain calm, make yourself appear large, and speak loudly. Running from a bear is not advisable, as it may trigger a chase response. If a black bear approaches or attacks, fighting back aggressively is the appropriate response.