Black bears are dangerous and unpredictable wild animals. Do not approach bears or allow them to approach you. Gary Carter Photo. 107 Park Headquarters Road. Bears in the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. Though populations are variable, biologists estimate that roughly 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. However loss of habitat has resulted in a significant reduction in this range. Black Bears - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
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