Wildlife in Cades Cove
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with wildlife! Wherever you spend time within the national park, you have the chance to see a variety of animals.
Everything from the Smoky Mountain bears to squirrels, raccoons, birds and so much more!
Tips for Sightseeing: Animals in the Smoky Mountains
1 Don’t approach the animals too closely!
When visiting Cades Cove, as well as other parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure not to approach any of the wildlife too closely. National park officials prohibit crowding, harassing and feeding wildlife in any part of the park. They do this to preserve a safe environment for the animals in the Smoky mountains as well as the visitors to the park.
2 Remember the animals aren’t pets!
The animals are absolutely beautiful, but they are wild and only come out of their hiding places when they are hungry. Though the black bears in the Smoky Mountains may appear cute and cuddly, even friendly at times, they really appreciate having their own space away from human interaction. So be sure to keep your space because these animals aren’t household pets.
3 Best place to view bears is Cades Cove!
There is approximately one bear per square mile in the National Park, but your best chance to see the black bears are at Cades Cove. The reason for this is somewhat of a mystery except for the fact that bears are not interested in being seen by humans. Bears spend much of their time in trees where people rarely look for them. Dens are often located about 20 feet up the trunk of large trees.
Here, bears sleep through much of the winter, the females giving birth to her cubs even before she shakes off her sleepiness in the spring. Newborn cubs weigh only 7-8 ounces! The mother will eventually bring her cubs down, teaching them where to find resources throughout the park.
4 Look for bears in the morning or early evening!
If you are trying to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains, try looking for them in the morning around their favorite feeding places such as oak or fruit trees, streams and berry patches. Just remember to stay away from these areas and view the animals from afar.
How to Stay Safe Around Smoky Mountain Black Bears
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park recommends trying to scare bears away from campgrounds by making loud noises such as by banging campfire pots together and yelling. If that does not work seek safety in your car, not your tent.
Food should be kept in a hardtop car or hung in trees according to the regulations of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. No food or food contaminated containers, napkins etc. should be left in the campground. Be sure not to leave anything behind when you leave!
Other Animals in the Smoky Mountains
Coyotes in Cades Cove
Coyotes came across the Mississippi in the 1980s and migrated to Cades Cove around 1985. Coyotes are dog-like in appearance but with noticeably smaller feet, thinner legs and bushier tail. They are about 2 feet tall and 4 feet long, including their tail. Their facial features are distinctive, having pointy ears, round inquisitive eyes and an overall appearance that looks a bit like a German Shepherd.
Raccoons in the Smokies
One of the most charming of all the critters in Cades Cove is the raccoon. It is a furry gray animal with a ringed tail and a black mask across its eyes. Intelligent, curious and inventive, raccoons pick up potential food objects with their hands to inspect them closely.
Raccoons are not visible to most visitors as they are nocturnal and generally out only after dark once the Loop Road is closed.
Foxes & Bobcats
Foxes in Cades Cove: Both red and gray foxes are found in the National Park and both prefer Cades Cove. The reason for this is the availability of both forestry and open fields. The trees also provide foxes with added protection from coyotes and other predators.
Bobcats: Bobcats are nocturnal and rarely seen in Cades Cove or other parts of the Park, however, be assured of their presence. Bobcats weigh 18-20 pounds and are about 3 feet in length.
Beavers & Otters
Beavers: Weighing up to sixty pounds, beavers are the largest rodent in the National Park and can grow up to 4 feet in length. They are making a recovery in Cades Cove after migrating from North Carolina where they were reintroduced.
Otters: Once common, otters were all but eliminated in the 1920s. Fortunately, 140 otters were reintroduced in the 1980s. Now under protective regulations, they are becoming well established, especially in Abrams Creek and Little River.