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Wildlife


Great Smoky Mountains National Park contains the largest remaining areas of wilderness sanctuary in the East.

wild turkeys
A black bear prepares to cross Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The image was taken from a distance with a zoom lens. Image by Jeaneane Payne

 Mammals
 Amphibians
Birds
  Lizards
Fish
 Wildlife Policies
Snakes
Elk

You can increase your chances of seeing wildlife in these ways . . .

• carry binoculars

• drive slowly along park roads at dawn or dusk

• when walking or driving, stop often to watch and listen for wildlife

Most visitors understand that feeding wildlife is against the law, but many people do not realize that disturbing park wildlife is also a violation of federal regulations and can result in fines and arrest.

The laws protecting park wildlife are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations. It states that “Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces bear or elk is prohibited." In addition, feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife is prohibited.

As a rule of thumb, if you approach an animal so closely that it changes its behavior, you have approached too closely. Instead use binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras with telephoto lenses to enjoy wildlife. Watch for any modification in an animal's behavior that indicates that you have approached too closely. Move away from the animal until you reach a distance at which the animal feels comfortable once again and resumes whatever activity it was engaged in before you approached.

Never feed wildlife or bait animals for closer observation or photography. Feeding park wildlife usually guarantees its demise.


 

Things to Do:
101 Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
25 Fun Things to Do in the Fall in the Smoky Mountains
Scenic Roadways
Hiking Trails
Clingmans Dome
Waterfalls
Fishing
Camping

 


WELCOME TO GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Trip Ideas
Great Smoky Mountains Facts
Policies
Institute at Tremont
Order Your Free Visitor's Guide
Transportation & Airports
Local News

Photo Tours
Fall Photo Tour
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
Fall Foliage at Clingmans Dome
Fall Colors in nearby Villages
Fall in Wears Valley
Best Fall Hikes in the Smokies

  WHAT TO DO
Attractions
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Outdoor Adventure
Scenic Drives and Rides
Shopping
Heritage, History, & Culture
Nature Activities

  WHERE TO STAY
Bed & Breakfast
Cabins
Camping
Condos
Hotels

WHERE TO EAT
Restaurants
Farmers' Markets
Recipe Cards


  4 SEASONS
Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

WEDDINGS
Wedding Services
Honeymoon Cabins
  Surrounding Towns:
Cherokee
Gatlinburg
Maggie Valley
Pigeon Forge
Townsend
Wears Valley

CONTACT
Contact
Add Your Site
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