Everything You Need to Know About Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains
By Jeff Powell | Published
Yes, there are black bears in the Smoky Mountains – a LOT of them – but there is no need to be worried. A little common sense and caution, and you should be just fine.
By Jeff Powell | Published September 11, 2025
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Types of Bears
There are three (or four, depending on whom you ask) types of bears in North America, but you’ll only find one of them in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Polar Bears
Polar bears live in the Arctic Circle. You’ll find them in Norway, Greenland, Russia, Canada, and Alaska. They are HUGE and highly aggressive. They are not, however, found in the Smoky Mountains.
Brown Bears
Brown bears are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are the most widespread of the bears. Like the polar bear, they are HUGE and highly aggressive. However, like polar bears, they are not found in the Smoky Mountains.
Grizzly Bears
Here’s something you may not know. Grizzly bears and brown bears are the same thing! The difference between the two is in geography and size. Brown bears live in coastal areas, where food is abundant and readily available, so they are generally larger than grizzly bears. Grizzly bears live inland, where food is less plentiful and more difficult to come by, so they tend to be smaller than brown bears. (But they are still MASSIVE!) You won’t find grizzlies in the Smoky Mountains, either.
Black Bears
Black bears not only roam the Smoky Mountains, but they are also iconic in the region. There are over 1,900 black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the smallest of the bears in the United States, but may still weigh up to 500 lbs!
Ten Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Black Bears
- Black bears can be found in Canada, the United States, and Mexico!
- Black bears don’t actually hibernate. They go into a state of torpor, characterized by a reduced heart rate, slower metabolism, and lowered body temperature. Unlike hibernation, black bears can wake up during torpor (if disturbed). They may even go out for a snack if the weather is nice!
- Black bears will eat just about anything – plants, berries, roots, insects, fish, small animals, and whatever they can find in your garbage can.
- Black bears are fast! They can reach speeds up to 35 mph for short distances. Don’t ever try to outrun a bear – you can’t.
- Some scientists believe black bears can feel emotions – happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, etc.
- Black bears are great climbers. You will often spy them napping in a tree.
- Black bears are also great swimmers, with the ability to “bear-paddle” for long distances.
- Black bears are not always black! They may also be red, cinnamon, gray, brown, tan, or even blond.
- Black bears are highly intelligent. They have large brains and are considered some of the most intelligent land animals.
- Black bears usually live 15 to 20 years in the wild. However, in captivity, where they have access to better food, shelter, and vet care, they often live into their 30s or even 40s!
Will I See a Black Bear on my Visit to the Smoky Mountains?
The short answer is “probably”. As I mentioned above, there are over 1,900 black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and you are likely to see them anywhere in the park. We have seen black bears…
- While hiking on several trails
- While driving through Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- While driving through the park on Newfound Gap Road and Little River Road
- Swimming in the Little Pigeon River just outside of Gatlinburg
- In our hotel parking lot, and on the second floor of our hotel in Gatlinburg
- Walking down the Parkway in Gatlinburg, late at night
- Riding up the lift to Ober Mountain
- Napping in trees
- Walking down backroads around Gatlinburg
Winter is the worst time for bear-spotting, because bears are in a state of torpor during that time. But in spring, summer, and fall, you’re chances of seeing a bear are good.
Bear cubs usually leave their den (with their mother) in late March or early April.
What Should I Do if I See a Black Bear?
Bears are not inherently aggressive. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established on June 15, 1934. Since that time, there have only been six bear attacks on humans, and only two bear attacks resulting in a fatality.
There are, however, an average of 339 “negative human-bear encounters” reported annually. These almost always involve bears looking for improperly stored food around campsites or cabins, or people trying to feed bears. Additionally, bears may become feisty if they have cubs nearby or if they are startled, but most often they will ignore you and go about their business.
Here’s a brief list of “Do’s and Don’ts” if you encounter a bear.
Don’t EVER try to feed a bear.
When you feed a bear, it begins to identify people with food. They lose their fear of people and may become aggressive. Every year, numerous bears have to be relocated or even destroyed for this reason.
Keep a distance of at least 50 yards between you and a bear.
That’s not just a good idea – it’s the law. You can and will be fined for approaching a bear or any other wildlife.
Make some noise while you’re hiking to let the bear know you’re nearby.
No one likes to be startled, including bears. Talk to your hiking buddies while you’re walking. Sing. Make a little noise to signal your presence.
Dogs and bears do not mix.
Dogs are only allowed on two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. They are prohibited on any other trails. Breaking this rule may lead to a LARGE fine.
This rule is to ensure the safety of your dog, the bear, and you.
If you unexpectantly encounter a bear, be calm.
No need to yell or run. Talk calmly to the bear while you slowly back away. He will most likely continue on his way.
In the unlikely event that a black bear charges or attacks, fight.
Black bears will sometimes “bluff” at charging you, but then turn away and wander off.
If a black bear attacks, use rocks, sticks, your backpack, or whatever else you have. Make a lot of noise – yell.
The rule of thumb regarding bear attacks is…
- If it’s black, fight back. (Black bears)
- If it’s brown, lie down. (Brown bears – play dead)
- If it’s white, goodnight. (Polar bears – A polar bear is extremely dangerous, and often not survivable.)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should I avoid hiking to avoid bears?
- Absolutely not. You’re chances of a negative bear encounter are very small. Just practice the suggestions given above, and you should have no problems. Black bears are typically not aggressive and naturally avoid humans.
To Summarize…
Black bears are fascinating, beautiful, amusing creatures. It’s always a delight when you see one in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Learn about them. Photograph them (from a distance). Enjoy them.
Happy Hiking!
Related Posts About Animals in the Smoky Mountains
- Is My Dog Allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- The Best Places to See Elk in the Smoky Mountains
- Snakes in the Smoky Mountains – Should I Be Worried?
- Cades Cove Bears – How to Spot Them
- 27 Animals to Look For in the Smoky Mountains
