Smoky Mountain Cabin: Bears Belong Outside

Of course the most famous Smoky Mountain animal is the black bear.  We know the bears are living in our backyard; we just have not seen them yet.  The construction crew told us they saw plenty of their signs on the ground.  Our neighbor across the street saw one carry away the entire $70 "bear proof" trashcan off his deck. 

If you see a bear near Lightning Bug Lodge, please tell us your story.  The population density in the Great Smoky Mountain National park is approximately one bear per square mile, ie 500-600 bears live in the park.  Tip:  Locals tell me if you want to see a bear, drive to Cades Cove in the park.

For safety's sake and the bears longevity, please do not feed the bears.  We recommend using our $600 National Park standard bear trash cans, eating your picnic on the highest deck, and quickly removing all food once done.  Also, our neighbors warned to jog during the day, not at dusk and dawn.  Tip:  Be especially careful in March and April when newborn cubs emerge and mothers are highly protective.

Think about your odds vs. the bear. 
     Size:  Can stand 6 feet at shoulder height, weigh over 400 pounds,
    Ability to find food:  prefers berries but flexible & will eat human food, has a keen sense of smell
    Athletic ability:  easily climb trees, and run up to 30 miles per hour
If you do encounter a bear, make a lot of noise and retreat.  Don't act dead.

We hope the only bear in the cabin is the stuffed animal bear photographed above.  It was given to my daughter at the local furniture store, along with a popsicle.  She was a happy girl!  Let the bears be happy, let them wander freely outside.