Wildlife Warnings in The Smokies

One of the most unforgettable parts of visiting the Smoky Mountains is the chance to see its wildlife—from elk and raccoons to the park’s most famous resident, the black bear. While these wildlife encounters are exciting, remember, these animals are truly wild, and protecting both them and yourself means following park rules.

Below you’ll find wildlife regulations and safety tips to ensure your Smoky Mountain visit is safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

Why Wildlife Awareness Matters

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to:

– 65+ species of mammals, including white-tailed deer, elk, raccoons, and black bears.

– 200+ species of birds, making it a top spot for birdwatchers.

– The largest protected bear habitat in the Eastern U.S.

A large part of what makes the Smokies special is the animals, but their behaviors can be unpredictable. Your actions affect their safety as much as yours.

Black Bear Safety

– Never approach a bear: approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs a bear, is illegal.

– Never feed bears: human food alters their instincts and their healthy fear of humans. Feeding a black bear is dangerous behavior and can even lead to the bear being euthanized.

– Keep your distance: use binoculars or a telephoto lens to admire them safely from a distance.

– Scan the trees: black bears often climb to feed on berries or blossoms, and it’s important to regularly observe trees around you.

– Stay alert on trails: check the park’s closure page for “Bear Warnings” before hiking.

Elk Safety

– Keep your distance: like bears, elk must not be approached within 50 yards (150 feet).

– Stay roadside: do not enter fields, and instead use binoculars, spotting scopes, or long lenses to view the animals at a safe distance.

– Give them space: elk may appear calm, but they are powerful animals and can become aggressive if disturbed.

General Wildlife Safety Tips

– Get educated: review up-to-date guidelines provided at visitor centers, park newspapers, and signage.

– Stay on marked paths: stay on designated paths to avoid wildlife “hot spots” and ensure you’re not disturbing their natural habitat. Check the park’s temporary road and facility closures page for Bear Closures

Bear Warnings

– Back away slowly: if wildlife comes too close, slowly move away and give them room to pass. Never chase or corner them for photos.

– Don’t feed or litter: use bear-proof dumpsters and dispose of food and litter properly.

– Follow the law: feeding wildlife is prohibited under federal regulations (Title 36, Chapter 1, Section 2.2 (2)). Violations can result in fines or arrest.

Report Violations

If you see others breaking these rules, report it to park personnel immediately. These regulations protect not just the wildlife, but also future visitors who want to experience the Smokies safely

For more details, visit the National Park Service’s Laws & Policies.