27 Animals to Look For in the Smoky Mountains

One of our favorite activities in the Smoky Mountains is trying to spot animals that live there. According to the National Park Service, there are 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. That’s a lot of fur, feathers, and fins!

Nothing makes your day more than spotting a bear or an elk, so to help you be more successful as you look for animals in the Smokies, I’ve structured this post into three categories…

• Smoky Mountain Animals You’re Most Likely to See
• Smoky Mountain Animals You May See
• Smoky Mountain Animals You’re Least Likely to See (But They Are Still There!)

Smoky Mountain Animals You’re Most Likely to See

These are the animals you will probably see on your trip to the Smokies (often because crowds of people have left their cars and are standing in the road taking photos…)

1. Black Bears

The black bear is the most iconic animal in the Smoky Mountains, and it’s no wonder! According to the National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to roughly 1,900 black bears.

Male bears in the park average 250 lbs, while females average about half of that. However, as bears eat their way toward their winter hibernation, they may balloon up to 600 lbs!

We see bears every time we visit the Smokies. We’ve seen them sleeping in trees, wandering on hiking trails, walking through fields at Cades Cove, hanging around parking lots, or just driving through the park.

The advice above is taken directly from the National Park Service “Black Bears” page. Please visit it for more info about what to do if you encounter a bear.

2. Elk

Surprisingly, the largest animal in the Smoky Mountains is not the black bear – it’s the elk. A male elk can weigh up to 700 lbs and stand 5′ tall at the shoulder! Plus, their antlers can add another 4′ to their height, making it an awesome sight to behold.

The park service estimates there are as many as 200 elk in the park today. They were reintroduced back into the area in 2001.

One of the best places to spot elk is at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the south end of the park. There is a field next to the center where elk enjoy grazing. There is often a park ranger there who will be happy to answer your questions.

3. Deer

White-tailed deer are abundant in the Smoky Mountains but you are most likely to see them in Cades Cove or the Cataloochee Valley areas.

Male deer (bucks) grow antlers during the spring but lose them every winter. These are used in fighting other males during mating season in the fall.

Female deer give birth in late June every year. Look for fawns with their white spots, following their mothers.

4. Turkey

On our last trip to the Smoky Mountains, we saw so many turkeys! We even spotted a leucistic (mostly white) turkey.

Your best time for seeing a flock of turkeys is in the morning, while they are feeding, usually before 10:00ish. They also come out to feed again in the early evening, before roosting in trees for the night.

Fun Fact: Many people believe turkeys cannot fly since they are most often seen on the ground. But the truth is that wild turkeys are excellent flyers, with a top air speed of up to 55 mph!

5. Hawks

There are seven different types of hawks in Tennessee, but the two you are most likely to see are the Red-Tailed Hawk and the Red-Shouldered Hawk.

Red-Tailed Hawks may be identified by their…you guessed it…red tails. You’ve probably seen this beautiful bird before. It loves to sit on power lines, scanning the ground with its extraordinary eyesight, looking for prey.

Red-Shouldered Hawks have…you guessed it again…red shoulders. Unlike the Red-Tailed Hawk, their breast and bellies are orange/brown, with white bars.

Both of these hawks are quite common in the park.

6. Chipmunks

The chipmunk is the Clown of Rodents! They may be seen scampering around almost anywhere in the park, gathering food. They also love to hang out around picnic areas, scavenging for food the people have dropped.

Beware – when chipmunks are accustomed to having people around, they are tricky little thieves. I once had one sneak into my backpack, which was sitting right next to me, looking for a snack!

7. Squirrels

I know – squirrels – no big deal. But don’t sell these little guys short.

Squirrels are funny, athletic, smart, and industrious. They work a lot, storing away nuts to eat during the winter.

The two most common types of squirrels in the Smokies – red squirrels and gray squirrels – are easily distinguishable by their colors. If you’re really lucky, you might see a Northern Flying Squirrel, but it will have to be a night – they are nocturnal.

8. Snakes

I used to be afraid of snakes. Then I started working at a zoo and ended up giving educational talks about and showing, snakes. Now I’m a big fan.

There are 23 different species of snakes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The good news is that only two of them are venomous (the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead). The other good news is that in the entire history of the park, no one has died of a snake bite. The following list is taken from the National Park Service “Reptiles” page.

We’ve seen water snakes, garter snakes, black racers, and others hiking through the park. They are beautiful and fascinating.

It’s easy to avoid being bitten.

• Don’t wander off the trail. That’s where the snakes will be!
• Don’t try to pick up a snake or kill it – that’s when most people are bitten. Instead, just enjoy watching it.
• If you do encounter a snake, just take one big step back…two if you’re a bit freaked out…maybe three if you think it’s venomous. Then take some epic photos!

9. Salamanders

There are 30 species of salamanders in the Smokies. Salamanders are not lizards – they are amphibians that live in streams. For this reason, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as “The Salamander Capital of the World”!

If you want to see one, stop and take a close look in and around mountain streams while you are hiking. They are so abundant, there’s a good chance you’ll see one…or two…or a dozen.

Though most salamanders are small, the Hellbender Salamander can reach lengths of over 15″. It is rare to see one since they are usually hiding under big rocks in streams and rivers.

10. Fish

There are over 60 species of fish in the Smokies, but the ones you are most likely to see are the three species of trout.

Brook trout are native to the area. They are not large, rarely reaching over 7″ in length. Rainbow trout are not native to the area. Like the Brook trout, they are small, usually less than 7″. The Brown trout is also not native to the area, but unlike its cousins, it can reach an impressive 30″!

We often see trout when we are crossing bridges over rivers or large streams.

Why not try your hand at fly fishing? There are several outfitters and guides in the area.

Smoky Mountain Animals You May See

These animals tend to be smaller, hidden, and/or more shy than those listed above. Some of them are also nocturnal, meaning they only come out at night.

11. Otters

There are few things more entertaining than watching a group (sometimes called a bevy, a raft, or a romp) of otters playing. They are found in the rivers and streams in the lower levels of the park, especially in the Little River or on the hike to Abrams Falls in Cades Cove.

Otters were reintroduced to the park in the 1990s after they mostly disappeared due to the destruction of their habitat. Today there is a large, healthy population of the funny little mammals.

Adult male otters can weigh up to 30 lbs or more. They are strong swimmers. While they are adorable, never try to touch one – they have a ferocious bite!

12. Beavers

The beaver is the largest rodent in the park – for that matter, they are the largest rodent in the United States, and globally second only to the capybara. They can weigh over 100 lbs!

To see a beaver, look for the dams they build of sticks and limbs and even whole trees that they fell by chewing through the trunks. While some consider them a pest, they are actually a “keystone” species. The ponds created by their dams become the habitat for numerous other species.

Beavers have some interesting physical features. Their flat tails make them immediately recognizable. They have large, orange front teeth, excellent for chewing through trees. They also have extra, waterproof eyelids, which automatically protect their eyes when they are swimming.

13. Foxes

One of the most beautiful animals in the Smoky Mountains is the fox, with their beautifully colored fur and their big, bushy tails.

Foxes in the park come in two varieties – the red fox and the gray fox. Both are found all over the park, but you are most likely to see them in Cades Cove. You are also less likely to see the gray fox, as it is nocturnal and rarely comes out during the day.

Foxes are canines, meaning they are cousins to your pet dog…but I wouldn’t try to pet one…

14. Groundhogs

The groundhog, sometimes called a woodchuck or a whistle pig, is one of my favorite animals, because it’s chubby and furry – like me! When I worked at the zoo, I used to emcee the Groundhog Day event, so I have some experience with these guys.

Groundhogs are actually a large marmot, measuring over 2′ long and weighing in at almost 15 lbs. They are best known for hibernating all winter and then appearing to predict the weather, though I have not found them to be especially accurate.

Oddly, you are most likely to see a groundhog feeding right beside the road (sometimes dangerously close to the road) as you drive along. Sometimes they stand up on their back legs and just seem to be watching the cars go by!

15. Raccoon

Raccoons are the “land version” of the river otter – they are very entertaining – until they get into your trash and make a mess!

They are nocturnal animals, but they are often seen during the daylight hours. They are smart, inquisitive, clean, mischievous, and a lot of fun to watch, especially if they have babies with them.

Raccoons are most likely to be seen…anywhere!

16. Opossums

Opossums, or possums, as we Southerners say, are unusual animals. They play dead when they feel threatened. Possums are cute, in an odd sort of way. They are great climbers. They are marsupials, meaning they have a pouch on their belly for carrying babies. As babies get older, they often ride on the back of their mothers.

While possums will hiss and bite if cornered, they are not aggressive animals and will waddle off if given the chance.

Possums are nocturnal, so you’re most likely to see one while driving at night. Sadly, they have poor eyesight and are not very fast, so they are often hit by cars.

17. Turtles & Tortoises & Terrapins

Do you know the difference between a turtle, a tortoise, and a terrapin?

Turtles live in the ocean. Terrapins live in fresh water. And tortoises live on land. However, “turtle” and “terrapin” are often used interchangeably. Essentially, a terrapin is a freshwater turtle.

There are six species of turtles in the Smoky Mountains. The most common is the Eastern Box turtle. (We often stop in the middle of roads to rescue box turtles from traffic. You should, too.) All are harmless, except…

The Snapping Turtle, sometimes called the Alligator Snapping Turtle. These creatures can grow quite large, and look prehistoric. They have a bit of a temper, and an extremely powerful bite, so avoid getting too close to them.

18. Crayfish

Crayfish or crawfish or crawdad? It depends on where you’re from – they are all the same thing.

Crayfish look like small lobsters, with their long bodies and large claws. You’ll find them in streams as you hike through the park. There are 11 species of crayfish in the Smoky Mountains.

Crayfish are considered an endangered species for several reasons, including loss of habitat and pollution.

19. Coyote

Like the fox, coyotes are a part of the canine family. They are larger than a fox, weighing in at up to 50 lbs. They are a common animal in the Smoky Mountains, but not often seen, as they are nocturnal. Your best chance of seeing one is early in the morning or late in the evening.

Coyotes are carnivores, feeding on smaller animals. They tend to travel in family units called “packs”. Coyotes are monogamous, meaning they only mate with one partner for the entirety of their life.

Coyotes tend to shy away from humans and are usually aggressive only when threatened. Give them plenty of space and they will most likely run away. (I have walked up on coyotes twice while hiking, and they immediately ran off.)

20. Skunks

“What’s that smell?!?” Skunks are more often smelled than seen for a couple of reasons. They are shy animals, and they are nocturnal. However, the odor from their spray can be smelled from quite a distance. Once you’ve smelled a skunk you will never be able to forget that scent!

There are two types of skunks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the Eastern Spotted Skunk and the Striped Skunk. The Striped Skunk is a bit larger than its cousin, but its scent is not as powerful. It is the most common skunk.

The best spot to look for skunks is in Cades Cove. Skunks are fun to view…from a distance. Never, ever approach a skunk!

21. Owls

Owls are intriguing animals. They cannot move their eyes in their eyesockets like humans – however, they make up for that by the ability to rotate their heads 270 degrees in either direction! (It is a myth that owls can rotate their heads a full 360 degrees.)

Also, an owl’s ears are offset, which helps it listen for prey or danger. They are strong, silent, efficient hunters, taking down prey with their powerful talons.

There are several different types of owls in the park, but the three you are most likely to see are the Screech Owl, the Great Horned Owl, and the Barred Owl.

22. Bats

It’s a bit unusual to spot a bat in the park for a couple of reasons. First, they mostly live in caves in the park, which are off-limits to humans. Second, they only come out at night, to feed on insects. However, if you’re driving through the park at night, you might see one swoop right in front of your car.

There are several different types of bats in the park, including the Big Brown Bat, the Little Brown Bat, and the endangered Indiana Myotis. It is estimated that some types of bats have lost up to 95% of their population due to disease and other factors.

Smoky Mountain Animals You’re Least Likely to See (But They’re Still There!)

The following animals are rarely seen in the Smoky Mountains. They may tend to avoid humans, or there may be only a small number of them, or they are nocturnal.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep an eye out for them, anyway!

23. Bobcats

I have only seen one bobcat in my entire life, and that was in north Georgia where I live. They are beautiful, fast, well-camouflaged, mostly nocturnal, and elusive.

A bobcat can weigh up to 70 lbs, so it’s not exactly small. They are distinguished by their short, stubby, bobbed tail (thus the name “bobcat”). They are thought to be the only “big cat” in the park, though many people would disagree with that. (See “Mountain Lions” below.)

If you spot a bobcat count yourself fortunate!

24. Wild Hogs

Wild hogs are the most destructive animals in the Smoky Mountains (except for humans.) They are not native to America, having been brought here from Europe by the Spaniards, where they escaped and began to breed with domestic pigs. That’s why they may have white markings on their face.

The hogs can be very large, weighing up to 125 lbs, and measuring up to 5′ in length. They have 44 teeth, including razor-sharp tusks protruding from their lower jaw.

Several things have helped the wild hogs, often called boars, to thrive. They are very intelligent. They are very tough. Wild hogs are omnivorous, meaning they will eat just about anything. They reproduce prolifically.

Though wild hogs are shy, they are mostly seen as you drive through the park. If they spot a human they will most likely run away, but it’s a good idea to keep your distance.

25. Peregrine Falcons

The Peregrine Falcon is well-named. “Peregrine” means “wanderer”, and that’s what they are. They can be found almost everywhere in the world. Some Peregrines even migrate 15,000 miles every year! (That’s not a typo – 15,000!)

This is the second-fastest bird in the world (the Rufous hummingbird is the fastest). It can reach a top speed of 200 mph while diving after prey! They mostly eat other, smaller birds.

There is reportedly a nesting pair of Peregrines on the Alum Cave trail.

26. Wolves

There was a time years ago when the Red Wolves and Gray Wolves roamed the Smoky Mountains. However, because of their habit of attacking livestock, the species were hunted almost to extinction.

In 1991, the Fish & Wildlife Commission tried to reintroduce red wolves to the park, but the experiment ultimately failed. Today there are no wolves in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However…

There are still reported, though unverified, sightings of wolves in the park, so who knows… (If you see one, let me know!)

27. Cougars

Cougars, also known as mountain lions, panthers, or pumas, have much the same story as wolves in the Smokies. Over the years, loss of habitat and hunting have decimated these beautiful animals in the Smoky Mountains.

Today, there are officially no cougars in the park. Or are there…

Again, just like the wolves, there are occasional (unverified) sightings of cougars in the park, so maybe…?

FAQs

Can I Feed the Animals?

Nope. Feeding animals is dangerous for you. Every animal in the park has teeth, claws, antlers, and hooves. You could easily be injured.

It’s also dangerous for the animals. They will begin to associate humans with food and will become a nuisance, and even dangerous. In some cases, the Park Service will be forced to relocate, or even destroy the animal.

Can I Pet the Animals?

Watching Disney or Pixar movies has convinced us that all animals are kind and gentle and tame (and can probably talk). Sadly, that’s just not true.

So again, the answer is “Nope.” Every animal in the park has teeth, claws, antlers, and hooves. They are not tame. Wild animals are not like your dog or cat. They are wild. You could easily be injured.

Can I Photograph the Animals?

Absolutely! But keep a safe distance, which is probably farther away than you think it is. Park rangers recommend keeping 50 yards away from larger animals such as bears and elk.

Are the Animals Dangerous?

Yes and no.

Most animal-related injuries happen because the human moved too close to the animal. (We’ve all seen the videos of people getting within a few feet of bison in Yellowstone National Park, only to be launched into the air or even gored by the animals.) Those accidents are preventable.

Just use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Give the animals some space, and you should have no issues.

The Verdict: 27 Animals to Look For in the Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse locations in the entire United States. With hundreds of species of animals living in the park, there is little question that you will see some of them. The question is, how many?

So grab your camera, and go take some amazing photos!

Related Posts

• 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