The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few places remaining in the eastern U.S. where about 1,800 black bears live in wild, or about two bears per square mile. Black bears can be found at all elevations of the park. A typical male black bear can weigh 250 pounds, while female black bears weigh about 100 pounds. Wild black bears can live 12-15 years, but ones living off human foods and garbage last half that time.
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Bear-proof your food, toothpaste and cosmetics. If you are car camping, keep food stored in the trunk or in a strong food locker. If you are backpacking, suspend your food and food garbage on the cable system located at all campsites. Whether camping or backpacking, keep your tent, sleeping bag and other gear clean and free of food odor.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Park.
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