The American Black Bear
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Between 400 and 600 black bears live in the park, and you could see one almost anywhere. Most bears stay in the backcountry where they feed on grass, leaves, and acorns, fruits, berries, rodents, and carrion. Only a few visit roadsides and developed areas.
Remember---bears are wild animals. Enjoy watching them from a distance. It is unlawful to feed or tease them.
(Inscription above the image on the left)
Mature black bears weigh about 200-300 pounds, but individuals nearly twice that size have been reported.
(Inscription next to the image on the right)
Persons who feed bears, or approach them too closely, risk being bitten or clawed. Bears become more aggressive when fed. They tend to lose their fear of people, and they stand a greater chance of being hit by cars or killed by poachers.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 35° 43.998′ N, 83° 31.296′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wiley Oakley (within shouting distance of this marker); Tsali Monument (approx. 1.2 miles away); Gatlinburg SkyBridge (approx. 1.2 miles away); Village Gate (approx. 1½ miles away); Martha Jane Ogle Cabin (approx. 1½ miles away); Rocky Top (approx. 1½ miles away); Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Centennial Plaza / Pi Beta Phi Fraternity Settlement School (approx. 1½ miles away); First Methodist Church Gatlinburg (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gatlinburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 20, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
