Great Smoky Mountains National Park Reminds Visitors to View Elk and Black Bears Safely this Fall

News Release Date: September 14, 2026
Contact:Great Smoky Mountains National Park

GATLINBURG, Tenn. - Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors to view wildlife safely as elk and black bear activity increases this fall. Autumn offers opportunities to witness elk during their annual breeding season, known as the rut, and to observe bears feeding on fall food sources. While these experiences can be amazing to witness, they also require caution, awareness and respect for wildlife.

With proper precautions, visitors can safely appreciate the remarkable seasonal wildlife activity. Following guidance on wildlife viewing also protects the animals and ensures their behaviors remain natural.

Elk activity during the rut

Few sights are as impressive as a herd of elk during the fall rut. Male elk, or bulls, compete for dominance by clashing antlers and bellowing loud bugles that echo across the landscape. During the rut, bulls experience elevated testosterone levels and may exhibit defensive or aggressive behaviors toward perceived threats-including people, vehicles and pets. Female elk, or cows, remain protective of their calves, contributing to overall herd stress. When viewing elk, visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards (75 feet) away and avoid disturbing or provoking them.

Once native to the southern Appalachians, elk disappeared from the region in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. The National Park Service successfully restored the species to portions of its historic range through reintroductions of elk to Cataloochee Valley in the early 2000s.

Bear activity in the fall

Black bears are highly active during autumn. They must build sufficient fat reserves to sustain themselves through denning in winter, when they do not eat or drink. These fat reserves also influence cub production in female bears-healthier bears with greater reserves can support more cubs. In fall, bears enter hyperphagia, an intense feeding state in which they spend most of the day searching for food and may consume up to 20,000 calories daily. As natural fall foods like acorns become abundant, bears move across the park. and visitors may see them more frequently near roadsides.

As bears are unpredictable, visitors should be alert in the park, stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away and know how to respond during an encounter to keep both themselves and wildlife safe.

Wildlife viewing guidelines

To ensure the safety of both wildlife and people, the NPS reminds visitors to follow these regulations:

• Keep your distance: It is illegal to approach elk within 25 yards (75 feet) or bears within 50 yards (150 feet) or at any distance that causes an animal to change its behavior because of your presence. Violations may result in fines or arrest.

• Never feed wildlife: Dispose of all garbage or food scraps in bear-proof garbage containers or take trash with you.

• Respect closures and staff direction: Fields around Oconaluftee and Cataloochee are closed to all visitors during the rut. Do not stop on roadways when viewing wildlife and respect all bear-related closures. Follow instructions from park rangers and volunteers when viewing wildlife.

• Stay alert and slow down: Wildlife frequently cross roadways. Obey posted speed limits and always remain attentive when driving through the park.

• View wildlife from your vehicle safely: Use designated pull-offs and ensure your vehicle is completely off the roadway without obstructing traffic.

• Back away if approached: If an elk or black bear approaches, calmly increase your distance by moving away from the bear. If a black bear continues to follow, stand your ground, be loud, throw rocks and continue to back away slowly. If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to safely and calmly maintain the legal distance. If a black bear attacks you, defend yourself by fighting back and do not play dead.

To learn more about elk and bear safety in the Smokies, visit the park's elk and black bear webpages.

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