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The icon of the Smokies, the American Black Bear, is perhaps the
most famous inhabitant of the park. Great Smoky Mountains
National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the
East. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate
approximately 1,800 bears live in the park, a density of over
two bears per square mile.
Of the 65 other mammal species documented in the park, the
white-tailed deer, groundhog, chipmunk, and some squirrel and
bat species are the most commonly seen. Over 200 species of
birds are regularly sighted in the park, 85 of those migrate
from the neotropics. Some 120 species nest here. Thirty bird
species that are listed as Species of Concern breed here, making
the park an important source for repopulating areas outside the
park that are showing declines in the numbers of these birds.
Surrounded by warm lowlands, the cool, moist, climate of the
park's highest elevations creates islands of habitat suitable
for animals commonly found in more northern areas, allowing them
to live far south of their present primary ranges. Northern
species such as the northern flying squirrel, red squirrel, and
rock vole thrive at high elevations, while the Northern Saw-whet
Owl, Canada Warbler, Common Raven, and other birds reach their
southern most breeding point here in the park.
Over 700 miles of streams in the park support fish. The park
boasts over 50 native fish species, including the brook trout,
whose fragile habitat is being wrested from the non-native
rainbow and brown trout by active fisheries management. Low
elevation, slower and warmer streams have the greatest aquatic
diversity including four reintroduced federally threatened and
endangered small fish: the Smoky Madtom, Yellowfin Madtom,
Spotfin Chub, and Duskytail Darter.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been called the
"Salamander Capital of the World." Climatic and geologic factors
have combined to spur the development of 30 salamander species
in five families, making this one of the most diverse areas on
earth for this order. In fact, lungless salamanders have
undergone an extraordinary level of evolutionary diversification
in the park—24 species inhabit the park, making it the center of
diversity for the family.
Prior to park establishment in 1934, a number of animals native
to the Smoky Mountains were eradicated by hunting, trapping,
changing land uses, and other causes. Extirpated species include
bison, elk, mountain lion, gray wolf, red wolf, fisher, river
otter, Peregrine Falcon, and several species of fish. A primary
goal of the National Park Service is to preserve the flora and
fauna of the Smokies in a condition similar to that which
existed prior to the arrival of modern, technological humans. In
accordance with this mission, the Park Service has helped
reintroduce the river otter, elk, and Peregrine Falcon to the
Smokies.
As human activities dominate ever-larger portions of the
American landscape, our national parks have become increasingly
valuable as sanctuaries for rare and endangered wildlife.
Endangered park animals include the northern flying squirrel,
Peregrine Falcon, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Indiana bat,
spruce-fir moss spider, and the Smoky madtom. The Park Service
has been involved in a number of efforts to save these species
from extinction. Park resource management crews have conducted
prescribed fires in old-growth pine-oak forest to create
suitable nesting sites for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. Crews have
also erected solid steel barricades at cave entrances to protect
endangered bats from spelunkers during critical times of the
year. Reintroduction programs have also increased the survival
chances for Smoky madtoms and Peregrine Falcons.
Viewing wildlife in the Smokies can be challenging because most
of the park is covered by dense forest. Open areas like
Cataloochee and Cades Cove offer some of the best opportunities
to see white-tailed deer, black bear, raccoon, Wild Turkey,
woodchuck, and other animals. During winter, wildlife is more
visible because deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Since
many animals are most active at night, it can be advantageous to
look for wildlife during morning and evening. It’s also a good
idea to carry binoculars. And don’t forget to scan the
trees—many animals spend their days among the branches.
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