It may seem like black bears are everywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains these days. Overturned garbage cans, scattered food wrappers, trail cam footage of bears rummaging, and paw prints galore—it's easy to feel like they're invading campgrounds, picnic areas, and even backyards. Some folks have nicknamed them "garbage bears" due to their knack for raiding trash. One viral story even captured a black bear climbing into a hot tub for a relaxing soak in the Pigeon Forge area!
But are black bears really "taking over" the park?
Not quite. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to an estimated 1,900 black bears - the densest population in the United States, at roughly two bears per square mile. While the population is healthy and sightings are common (especially in spring through fall), bears still prefer their natural habitats. Vast areas of the park remain remote, and if you spot a bear, it's far more likely to run the other way than approach you. Black bears are typically shy and avoid humans unless they've become habituated to easy food sources.
The National Park Service (NPS) and partners promote BearWise practices to keep both visitors and bears safe. Key guidelines include:
- Never feed bears or other wildlife - it's illegal and dangerous.
- Store food properly: Use bear-proof containers, hard-sided locked vehicles, or designated food storage lockers.
- Keep a clean camp: Pack out all trash, never leave food or scented items unattended, and dispose of garbage in bear-resistant bins.
- Maintain distance: Stay at least 50 yards (about the length of a basketball court) from bears. Never approach them for photos or selfies.
- Secure everything: Garbage, coolers, bird feeders, and even toiletries can attract bears.
Bears are drawn to human food because it's calorie-dense and easy to access - far simpler than foraging for berries, nuts, insects, grasses, or small mammals in the wild. Unfortunately, a diet heavy in garbage or scraps can lead to serious problems: habituated bears lose their natural foraging skills, become nuisances, and often face euthanasia for public safety. Human-bear conflicts average hundreds of reported incidents yearly, though most are minor and preventable.
It's not just careless visitors at fault. Development around the park, seasonal food shortages in the wild, and curiosity can push bears into human areas - including breaking into cars in search of snacks. In one heartbreaking case near the Smokies, a bear entered an unlocked vehicle, became trapped, and died from extreme heat inside during summer temperatures over 95°F. Always lock your car doors and never leave food or scented items inside - no matter how briefly.
By following BearWise basics, we can enjoy the wonder of seeing these magnificent animals while helping them stay wild and healthy. The Smokies' black bears are a success story of conservation - but coexistence requires responsibility from all of us.
If you're planning a visit, check the NPS website for current bear warnings, closures, or high-activity alerts before heading out. Respect the wildlife, and you'll help keep the Great Smoky Mountains wild for generations to come!
If you're lucky enough to see a black bear in the Smoky Mountains, don't panic. Stay calm and give the bear plenty of space. If you're in your car, stay in the car.
(Updated with current NPS estimates and guidelines as of 2026.)