Discover and Celebrate the Bliss of the Asheville Area Wildlife and Wildlife Sanctuaries and Refuges for Viewing a Wide Variety of Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
".... From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy.... 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, turkeys, woodchucks, and other animals. The narrow, winding road of Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail encourages motorists to travel at a leisurely pace and sometimes yields sightings of bear and other wildlife. During winter wildlife is more visible because deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Because 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. Some people like to sit quietly beside a trail to see what wildlife will come out of hiding. And don't forget to scan the trees—many animals spend their days among the branches..." CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.
The Wildlife of Cades Cove... white tail deer, black bears, coyotes, wild turkeys, salmanders....
Three Bears Wander Around Photographer as He Sits on a Log Photographing Them. Six minutes of amazing footage of bears in their natural habitat. "...I shot this video because many people think bears are out to kill
people. They are not. Don't corner them. Don't feed them. Don't get
close to their cubs...."
Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Seeing Black Bears "... one of the few places remaining in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. For many, this famous Smokies’ resident is a symbol of wilderness. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Though populations are variable, counts conducted in 2006 indicated approximately 1,500 bears live in the park. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. At one time, the black bear’s range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Because of the loss of habitat, the black bear is now confined to wooded areas or dense brushland.
All black bears in the park are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. They may be six feet in length and up to three feet high at the shoulder. During the summer months, a typical male bear weighs approximately 250 pounds while females are generally smaller and weigh less slightly over 100 pounds. However, bears may double their weight by the fall. Bears over 600 pounds have been documented in the park. Wild bears can live 12-15 years or more. "Panhandler" bears, who have had access to human foods and garbage, have a life expectancy of only half that time...." CLICK HERE for the rest of the story
Please remember that feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal. The black bear symbolizes the invaluable wilderness qualities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But bears are dying unnecessarily due to improper disposal of garbage or illegal feeding by visitors. A bear’s remarkable sense of smell may lead it to human foods, such as a picnicker’s cooler, garbage left in the open, or food scraps thrown on the ground or left in the grill.
A bear that has discovered human food or garbage will eventually become day-active and leave the safety of the backcountry. It may panhandle along roadsides and be killed by a car or it may injure a visitor and have to be euthanized. Please do your part to help protect black bears and other wildlife in the Great Smokies. Clean your picnic area, including the grill and the ground around the table, thoroughly after your meal.
Viewing Elk in the
Great Smoky Mountain National Park "... The experimental release of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National
Park began in February, 2001 with the importation of 25 elk from the
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the
Tennessee-Kentucky border. In 2002, the park imported another 27
animals. All elk are radio collared and will be monitored during the
five-year experimental phase of the project..." CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.
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Explore the Bliss of the Wildlife in Western North Carolina
Misty mountains, verdant forests, spring wildflowers and fiery autumn foliage - the parks of the southern Appalachians reveal spectacular displays of nature around every corner. Hike the Appalachian Trail, swim crystal-clear lakes and enjoy live bluegrass music.
"... this book showcases its splendor and provides an intimate glimpse of the history behind the beauty of this special place. Preserved by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to look much the way it looked in the 1800's, Cades Cove's pastoral charm, numerous historic cabins, barns and churches, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities..."
"... captured in stunning photographs the essence of Great Smoky Mountains wildlife. From rare red-cheeked salamanders, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and playful otters to graceful whitetails, regal elk, and inquisitive black bears. This book is an inspired and sensitive tribute to one of the world's most spectacular landscapes and the wide variety of unique creatures that reside there...."
Explore areas of the Southern Appalachians where strapping on a backpack and a pair of hiking boots are the only means of travel and enjoy a new visual perspective of America’s sacred and beloved Southern Appalachians.
In this detailed guide to the best birding localities, Simpson describes more than three hundred sites, including recreation areas, overlooks, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. For each site, he lists the species most likely to be seen as well as rare birds that the persistent birder might find; he includes notes on the plant life and geography of each site and provides information on highway access and accommodations as well as accessibility for the handicapped.
a convenient, full-color field guide that lends itself to easy use by amateur birdwatchers and professional researchers alike. Birds of Shenandoah National Park features a brief entry for each of 336 avian species sighted in the area of Blue Ridge in North Carolina and Virginia, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Each entry consists of the species' common name, its scientific name, its approximate size, a verbal description of its appearance and characteristic habits, and a brief summary of where it can be found during what seasons of the year
Meet Nola the Magician, an otter too curious for her own good, who performs a Houdini-like disappearance; Carolina and Dakota, two bear pranksters who always steal the show; Wilma the bald eagle who fiercely guards her precious wooden egg; and Heidi the deer, who always makes a pest of herself at feeding time. Readers will love Kodiak and Yonahlossee, two feisty bear cubs who aren't near as cuddly as they seem; Squeak the cougar who loves his bungee rope and despises Milton the Bear; Milton the Bear, a costume animal who dances throughout the habitat drawing children like the Pied Piper; and L.L. Cool J., a tiny fawn that grows up to run the Bear and Cougar Gauntlet.
Click on each of the dozens of categories to the left to uncover what makes the Asheville area so vital, so intriguing and so, well, UTTERLY BLISSFUL!
Look for the otter, cougar, blue heron and black bear! Music by Highland Fling.
North of Asheville
Grandfather Mountain
".... has seven environmental habitats for black bears , river otters , cougars , bald eagles, golden eagles , and white-tailed deer. Environmental habitats are large enclosures that allow visitors to see animals in natural settings. Unlike the exhibits found in city zoos which bring in plants and boulders to recreate an appropriate setting, these enclosures were built around the animals' actual native habitat. Viewing areas give visitors an up-close perspective of the animals as they live in the wild. Separated from the animals by moats or elevated above the habitats on large retaining walls, these viewing areas allow you to stand only a few feet away from animals you probably won't see in your everyday life. A special aquarium-like viewing area allows you to enjoy watching the playful otters above or below the water...."
Friends of Road Mountain
"... A major goal of the Friends of Roan Mountain is to support the annual Naturalists' Rallies. For more than four decades, in both spring and fall, people have come to Roan Mountain to participate in a three-day celebration of the diversity of life found there. A wide variety of hikes led by naturalists explore subjects such as wildflowers, birds, butterflies, ferns, geology, history, medicinal and edible plants, mushrooms, salamanders, stream ecology, and astronomy. These annual treks have become a tradition for many - a chance not only to visit flora and fauna but to reunite with friends as well. In the evenings, participants are treated to a catered meal and refreshments in the park's Convention Center. This time of fellowship is followed by interesting programs presented by expert naturalists, authors, and photographers. It is no wonder that these rallies have become a tradition in the lives of those who love Roan Mountain...." Roan Mountain straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee line, and can be approached via Bakersville, a small community a little over an hour north of Asheville. See Toe River Valley for more information on the area.
Discover the Bliss of the Abundance of Wildlife in Western North Carolina.
Aspiring photographers will be amazed by the quality and in some cases even by the fact that the photographers got the shots at all. Getting close to wild animal babies is difficult and sometimes dangerous.
Fawns, elk calves, owlets, bear cubs, baby reptiles, and other little creatures can be seen and enjoyed here.
The most famous scenic landmarks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—Morton Overlook, Mount Le Conte, Clingman’s Dome, Cades Cove, and the Cataloochee Valley—are joined by intimate views of the magnificent natural beauty and abundant wildlife of the park in this captivating photo collection.
The first book devoted entirely to the natural history of the forty-four species of amphibians now known to occur within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Includes maps, color photos, and a glossary and bibliography. Provides the first illustrated key to the identification of amphibian larvae geared specifically for the Southern Appalachians
Concise descriptions of the animals and their tracks are combined with detailed drawings of the front and back prints, stride patterns and other important identifying aspects. Each animal is captured in accurate black-and-white illustrations, including pattern and print comparisons. A perfect guide for teachers, parents, hikers and urban adventurers.
The outdoors come to life in this collection of stories, games, crafts, investigations, and hands-on activities meant to accompany excursions into the fields, forests, and wetlands of southern Appalachia. The region’s rich natural diversity is highlighted, from its low-elevation coves to its highland ridges and balds. Because the southern Appalachian Mountains provide diverse habitats for plants and animals, every visit presents a new adventure.
"... a must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. This guide covers wildlife from Maine to Georgia along the Appalachian Trail. The Pocket Naturalist(tm) series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map identifying prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions...."
Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Wild Activities: Exploring Southern Appalachia "... The outdoors come to life in this collection of stories, games, crafts, investigations, and hands-on activities meant to accompany excursions into the fields, forests, and wetlands of southern Appalachia. The region’s rich natural diversity is highlighted, from its low-elevation coves to its highland ridges and balds. Because the southern Appalachian Mountains provide diverse habitats for plants and animals, every visit presents a new adventure. With an emphasis on the importance of a good conservation ethic along with suggestions on how to get involved in community conservation efforts, explorers of all ages can learn about topics such as plants, animals, microscopic life, life after dark, and environmental awareness....'
"... one of the few places remaining in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. For many, this famous Smokies’ resident is a symbol of wilderness. 
"... The experimental release of elk into Great Smoky Mountains National
Park began in February, 2001 with the importation of 25 elk from the
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area along the
Tennessee-Kentucky border. In 2002, the park imported another 27
animals. All elk are radio collared and will be monitored during the
five-year experimental phase of the project..."