The Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts millions of visitors annually with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. It remains a wild place where awareness and respectful behavior are important. Understanding how to interact with its animals ensures personal safety and contributes to ecosystem preservation.
Primary Animal Threats
Black bears are a prominent animal in the Great Smoky Mountains, with an estimated population of about 1,500, equating to roughly two bears per square mile. These large, wild animals are most active during the warmer months, typically from May through August. They are omnivores, with approximately 85% of their diet consisting of plants, berries, and nuts.
The park is also home to various snake species, though only two are venomous: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead. Timber Rattlesnakes are known for their distinct rattle warning and can be found in rocky outcrops and hillsides. Northern Copperheads, identifiable by their hourglass-shaped bands, do not give a warning rattle and prefer habitats like rock crevices along stream banks or near man-made structures.
Wild hogs, an invasive species, pose a potential threat. These aggressive animals, which can weigh up to 300 pounds, are descendants of European wild boars. They can cause significant environmental damage through rooting.
Understanding the Specific Risks
Encounters with black bears can become dangerous if they feel surprised, threatened, or accustomed to human food sources. While physical attacks are uncommon, they can occur, especially if a sow perceives her cubs in danger. Running from them can trigger their natural chase response.
Venomous snake bites typically result from a snake being provoked, accidentally stepped on, or handled. While painful, causing swelling and tissue damage requiring immediate medical attention, no fatalities have been recorded in the park. The venom can lead to significant discomfort.
Wild hogs can exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly when cornered or protecting their young. Their charges can inflict serious injury due to sharp tusks. While generally skittish, their unpredictability means caution is necessary.
Preventing Encounters
Proper food management is a primary method for preventing wildlife encounters. Visitors should always secure food in bear-resistant containers and never leave food or trash unattended. Feeding any wildlife is strictly prohibited as it can habituate animals to human presence and food, leading to unpredictable behaviors.
Staying on marked trails and being aware of surroundings helps avoid surprising animals. Making noise while hiking can alert animals to human presence, giving them time to move away. Checking park advisories for bear warnings or trail closures due to wildlife activity is also a good practice.
Maintaining a safe distance from all wildlife is important; a minimum of 50 yards (150 feet) is recommended for larger animals like bears and elk. Using binoculars or telephoto lenses allows for viewing without approaching. Pets should always remain on a leash to prevent them from disturbing or provoking wildlife.
Responding to Wildlife Encounters
If a black bear is encountered, it is important to remain calm and avoid running. Instead, make yourself appear as large as possible, make noise, and slowly back away to increase the distance between you and the bear. In the rare event of a physical attack, fighting back with any available object is recommended.
For encounters with venomous snakes, slowly back away and give the snake ample space to retreat. If a bite occurs, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Elevating the bitten area, if possible, and avoiding attempts to remove the venom are important steps before professional help arrives.
In the presence of wild hogs, making noise can often scare them away. If a hog appears aggressive or charges, climbing a tree or finding elevated ground can offer protection. If climbing is not an option, slowly backing away while continuing to make noise may encourage the animal to disengage.
Additional Wildlife to Be Aware Of
Coyotes are present in the Great Smoky Mountains but are generally shy and nocturnal, typically avoiding human interaction. While attacks on humans are uncommon, coyotes can be attracted to unattended food sources and may pose a risk to small children or pets. Visitors should secure food and keep children and pets close.
Smaller creatures like venomous spiders and insects also reside in the park. Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, so check for them after outdoor activities. Chiggers, tiny mites, cause intensely itchy red welts but do not transmit diseases in the United States.
Untreated water sources in the park can contain waterborne pathogens like Giardia, which can cause gastrointestinal illness. Filtering or treating all water from streams, springs, or rivers is therefore important before consumption.