3 of the Most Common Animals in the Smoky Mountains to Spot
If you’re hoping to see some wildlife during your visit to the Smoky Mountains, there is a good chance you may get lucky! The Smokies are a sanctuary for a wide assortment of animals, including about 65 species of mammals, more than 200 varieties of birds, and over 80 types of reptiles and amphibians! While some of the wildlife may be difficult to find while exploring the area, there are other animals that are frequently seen! Here are 3 of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains to spot:
1. American Black Bear
The American Black Bear is the most famous resident in the Smokies, as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the eastern USA! While their population may vary, it has been estimated that approximately 1,500 bears live in the park. This means that your odds of spotting a bear are actually quite good, especially while visiting areas of the park such as the Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, and Newfound Gap Road. Just remember that bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable, so always keep a minimum distance of at least 150 feet away!
2. White-Tailed Deer
Another one of the most common animals in the Smoky Mountains to spot is the white-tailed deer. While you can see these beautiful animals all throughout the Smokies, they are most frequently seen in areas with open fields such as Cades Cove. The deer living in the Smoky Mountains give birth in late June, and the coats of the white-tailed deer fawns are marked with white spots to provide camouflage from predators. By their second spring, males begin to grow antlers which fully develop by August. The bucks start fighting for mating rights in September, and mating occurs in November (the antlers fall off by mid-winter).
3. Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys are commonly seen in the Smoky Mountains, but they are often heard before they are seen! This is because the Smokies are home to the eastern wild turkey, which has the strongest gobbles and longest beard of any other subspecies. While a turkey’s vocalization actually consists of 28 distinct calls, they are typically known for their gobble. This is a way for the males to attract hens and warn off competing males. While the turkey is capable of flying, its main mode of transportation is walking, and they often travel up to two miles a day depending upon their habitat. The turkeys tend to be most active in the morning and are often spotted at the entrance to Abrams Trail (just off the Cades Cove Loop Road), but they can also be seen right off the loop road itself.
When you join us for our white water rafting trips in the Smokies next season, keep your eyes on the riverbanks as you never know when you might spot some of these amazing animals in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable action-packed adventure that is sure to be a highlight of your vacation!
