GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WOKI) — Great Smoky Mountains National Park is reminding visitors to use caution and keep their distance as elk and black bear activity ramps up across the park this fall.
Autumn is one of the most popular times for wildlife viewing in the Smokies, offering visitors a chance to witness elk during their annual breeding season and black bears preparing for winter. However, park officials say those encounters require awareness, patience and respect for wildlife.
The annual elk rut is now underway, bringing increased activity from bull elk as they compete for mates. During the rut, male elk battle for dominance by clashing antlers and emitting loud bugling calls that can be heard across valleys and mountainsides.
Park officials warn that bulls experience elevated testosterone levels during the breeding season and may react aggressively to perceived threats, including people, vehicles and pets. Female elk are also protective of their calves, adding to the potential for dangerous encounters.
Visitors are required to remain at least 25 yards, or 75 feet, from elk at all times.
Elk once disappeared from the Southern Appalachians because of overhunting and habitat loss. The National Park Service reintroduced elk to Cataloochee Valley in the early 2000s, successfully restoring the species to parts of its historic range.
Meanwhile, black bears are entering one of their busiest periods of the year. As winter approaches, bears enter a feeding phase known as hyperphagia, consuming large amounts of food to build fat reserves needed for denning season. Park officials say bears may eat up to 20,000 calories per day during the fall.
As natural food sources such as acorns become abundant, bears travel widely throughout the park and are often spotted near roadsides and developed areas.
Because bears are unpredictable, visitors must stay at least 50 yards, or 150 feet, away and be prepared to respond appropriately if they encounter one.
Park officials are also reminding visitors that it is illegal to approach wildlife close enough to alter its behavior. Violators can face fines or arrest.
Officials recommend using designated pull-offs for wildlife viewing, never feeding animals, following ranger instructions and obeying all wildlife-related closures. Fields near Oconaluftee and Cataloochee are closed to visitors during the elk rut to protect both people and animals.
Drivers are encouraged to obey speed limits, watch for animals crossing roads and avoid stopping in travel lanes to observe wildlife.
If an elk or bear approaches, visitors should calmly increase their distance. In the event a black bear continues to follow, officials recommend standing your ground, making noise, throwing rocks if necessary and slowly backing away. If a black bear attacks, visitors should fight back and never play dead.
Park officials say responsible wildlife viewing protects both visitors and the animals while helping preserve the natural behaviors that make the Smokies one of the nation’s premier wildlife destinations.
Elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)
