Smoky Mountain Safety Guide
Bear Aware: Staying Safe in the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains is home to approximately 1,500 black bears — one of the highest densities in the eastern U.S. Here's what every cabin visitor needs to know before arriving.
Safety First
8 Essential Bear Safety Tips
Follow these guidelines to protect yourself, your family, and the bears.
Never Feed Bears
Feeding bears — even accidentally — is illegal in the Smokies and can result in a $5,000 fine. A fed bear is a dead bear. Once bears associate humans with food, they become dangerous and are often euthanized.
Secure All Food & Trash
Store food in bear-proof containers or inside your cabin. Never leave food, coolers, or trash on porches, decks, or in vehicles. Bears have an incredible sense of smell — they can detect food from miles away.
Don't Leave Takeout Outside
Pizza boxes, takeout bags, and food wrappers left on cabin decks or in cars attract bears. Bring all food inside immediately after pickup. Dispose of packaging in a bear-proof trash receptacle.
If You See a Bear
Stay calm. Do not run. Back away slowly while facing the bear. Make yourself look large. Speak in a calm, assertive voice. Give the bear a clear escape route. Most encounters end without incident if you don't panic.
If a Bear Approaches
Stand your ground. Make noise — clap, shout, bang pots. If a bear makes contact, fight back aggressively. Unlike grizzlies, black bears respond to resistance. Do not play dead with a black bear.
Never Approach for Photos
It may be tempting to get a close-up, but approaching a bear for photos puts you and the bear at risk. Use a zoom lens or phone camera from a safe distance — at least 50 yards (150 feet) away.
Be Extra Cautious at Dawn & Dusk
Black bears are most active at dawn, dusk, and at night. Be especially alert during these times when hiking or moving between your vehicle and cabin. Make noise on trails to avoid surprising a bear.
Report Bear Incidents
If a bear enters your cabin, injures someone, or shows aggressive behavior, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency bear sightings in the national park, contact the NPS at (865) 436-1230.
Official Resource
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For the most current bear safety guidelines, trail closures, and incident reports, visit the official National Park Service website. You can also report non-emergency bear sightings by calling the park at (865) 436-1230.
Visit NPS Bear Safety →Common Questions
Bear Safety FAQs
Are there bears near Smoky Mountain cabins?
Yes. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to approximately 1,500 black bears — one of the highest densities in the eastern United States. Bears regularly venture into cabin areas, especially when food is improperly stored. Always secure food, trash, and takeout containers inside your cabin.
What should I do if I see a bear near my cabin?
Stay calm and do not run. Back away slowly while facing the bear. Make yourself look large and speak in a calm, assertive voice. Give the bear a clear escape route. Most encounters end without incident. If a bear approaches aggressively, stand your ground, make loud noise, and fight back if contact is made — do not play dead with a black bear.
Can bears smell pizza or takeout food?
Yes. Black bears have one of the most powerful senses of smell in the animal kingdom — roughly 7 times stronger than a bloodhound. Pizza boxes, takeout bags, and food wrappers left on cabin decks or in vehicles will attract bears. Always bring food inside immediately and dispose of packaging in a bear-proof trash receptacle.
Is it illegal to feed bears in the Smoky Mountains?
Yes. Feeding bears — intentionally or accidentally — is illegal in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and can result in a fine of up to $5,000. It is also illegal in many surrounding counties. A fed bear is a dangerous bear, and bears that become food-conditioned are often euthanized.
When are bears most active in the Smoky Mountains?
Black bears in the Smokies are most active at dawn, dusk, and at night. They are also more active in spring (emerging from dens) and fall (hyperphagia — eating heavily before winter). Summer and fall leaf season — peak tourist times — also see increased bear activity near cabin areas.
Hungry After the Trail?
Fuel Up Before You Explore
Before hitting the trails or settling in for a cabin night, order from Papa Leone's — 5 minutes from Dollywood in Sevierville. Hand-tossed 18" pizzas, wings, and cabin group packs ready for pickup or delivery.
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