Tennessee wildlife
American black bear
Ursus americanus
Observe from a safe distance; never feed or approach bears.
See the American black bear up close
Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best sightings in late summer and fall; check the official park report for recent bear activity.
Where to look
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (hardwood forests)Cherokee National ForestCades Cove
Conservation status
Stable population; common in Great Smoky Mountains
Good to know
What should I do if I encounter a black bear while hiking?
Stay calm, do not run, back away slowly while facing the bear, and give it an escape route.
What time of day are black bears most active?
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening, especially in cool weather.
Make it a trip
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