A Day In The Smokies

06/18/2026

You’ve probably heard how protective a mother bear can be over her cubs, so if you find one by itself, it’s easy to assume the worst.

The truth is, if you see a bear cub on its own, the chances that mama bear left her baby alone on purpose are actually pretty high. Mother bears often leave their cubs in or near a “babysitter tree,” where they’re safe from predators.

What should you do if you see a bear cub by itself? Mama bear may be off looking for food, or she may be waiting for you to leave so that she can come back for her cubs. The best thing to do is to leave the cubs alone so that mom can come back and take care of them.

Remember that it’s a federal offense to willfully approach a bear within 50 yards. Coming between a mother bear and her cubs may cause stress to the bears, and worse, may cause the mother bear to attack.

Bear cubs are just as wild as adult bears, so you should never pick them up or touch them. If you truly believe that a cub has been abandoned, you can report a bear incident at the link below, call (865) 436-1230, or stop at a visitor center and let them know.

Learn more about what to do if you see a bear here ⬇️

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm

Photo by Bill Pattison

05/23/2026

100 years ago today, important steps were taken toward creating Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

While the Smokies weren't officially established until 1934, it was on May 22, 1926, that President Calvin Coolidge signed the bill authorizing its creation.

Whether you come to the Smokies to hike the 848 miles of trails, drive the eight scenic auto tours, discover the 22,000+ documented species, or learn about the region’s rich cultural history, thank you for being part of the Smokies story. Your love for this place helps us protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the next 100 years and beyond.

05/16/2026

🥾 You turn a corner on a trail… and there in the path is a black bear. What now?

(“Outrun my hiking partner” is the wrong answer.)

With more than 1,900 bears in the Smokies, there’s a good chance you may see one while exploring the park. Here’s what you should do to keep both you and the bear safe:

🐾 If you encounter a black bear
-Stay calm and alert.
-Do not approach the bear. If the bear is just doing bear things, keep your distance and stand quietly. Enjoy watching the bear from a distance in its natural habitat.
-If the bear stops, watches you, or changes direction toward you, you’re too close.
-Back away slowly while facing the bear. Never run.

🐾 If a black bear approaches or follows you
-Stand your ground. Do not run or turn your back.
-Shout and act aggressively to scare it off, and make yourself look big by raising your arms or lifting your trekking poles into the air.
-Throw non‑food objects (like rocks or sticks) at the bear only if necessary.
-Never feed a bear or leave food behind.
-Use bear spray only as a last resort and only if the bear is within 20 yards.

🐾 If a black bear attacks you
-Fight back. Do not play dead.

📢 When to file a bear incident report
-If you experience unusual bear behavior—such as a bear lingering around campgrounds, picnic areas, or parking lots; showing stalking behavior; or any incident in which a bear obtains human food or garbage—please file a bear incident report on our website using the link below.
-For significant incidents, call 865‑436‑1230. For emergencies, call 911.

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm

NPS Photo

05/16/2026

https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawR1TPZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80MDk5NjI2MjMwODU2MDkAAR46ZU-uMcFJXRxfX3Nryxxfd9mTx-lPQ01tjFlXvD9hhcPHAfIGdYeqUSHqCA_aem_wPGCdmnCfKaaDvLjehLuhg

It will list lots of places to visit! But not all will accept your paper pass. If you aren't sure whether your paper pass will work, have an adult call before you go.

04/07/2026

Learn some of the fascinating things to know about flying squirrels in Tennessee, many of which live within Great Smoky Mountains National Park!