One of the joys of owning or renting a cabin in the Shagbark resort is the amazing wildlife. You just never know what type of animal you will see. Something about the mountains encourages you to slow down and explore.
* praying mantis and grasshopper: my kids discovered in our front yard
* racoon: seems to be a regular near the Shagbark guard house.
* wild turkeys: For three days straight, I needed to bring my car to a halt coming down the mountain because a family of wild turkeys were walking on the road. Look closely in the wooded photo and you will see three turkeys.
Ok, you may be looking for more exotic animals than a racoon. No worries. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is full of animals. Besides black bears, you may keep your eyes out for these creatures:
Salamanders: 27 different species in the area make it the Salamander Capital of the world
Red wolves: Native to the Smoky Mountains and reintroduced in 1991, 25 of the world's 350 remaining red wolves live in the park
Tip: Look between Cades Cove and Sugarland Visitor Center
Elk: Native to the Smoky Mountains, but lost due to over-hunting and loss of habitat in the area. Reintroduced to the region in 2001.
Snakes: Yes, watch out, especially for the two poisonous varieties - Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattler.
Salamanders: 27 different species in the area make it the Salamander Capital of the world
Red wolves: Native to the Smoky Mountains and reintroduced in 1991, 25 of the world's 350 remaining red wolves live in the park
Tip: Look between Cades Cove and Sugarland Visitor Center
Elk: Native to the Smoky Mountains, but lost due to over-hunting and loss of habitat in the area. Reintroduced to the region in 2001.
Snakes: Yes, watch out, especially for the two poisonous varieties - Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattler.
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