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This newsletter is an edited repeat of a similar one we have used in previous years.  If you have seen it before we apologize.  This newsletter has a section on dealing with a bear encounter, and we feel that this is something all of our guests should be aware of.

Fall Colors

The fall color season in the Smokies usually runs from the end of September to the beginning of November.  The key word here is usually, as this varies from year to year based on many things.  The peak of the color season is most often around the third week of October, but again this is never an absolute.  The photo shown below on the right was taken near the end of October from one of the decks at Abide With Me.

During the regular growing season the tree is producing  chlorophyll, and this is what gives the leaves their green color.  When the temperature drops and the nights become cooler, the tree stops the chlorophyll production, and as a result the leaves begin to change color.  Different species have different color changes, some being more dramatic than others, but again all of this is only part of the equation.  Some of the things that affect the timing and the colors are:

• Sunny days and cool nights tend to trap more of the sugars in the leaves.  This results in more vibrant colors especially the deep red.  If the summer season is very dry the colors will  to be less vibrant in the fall.  During dry summers many leaves due to the lack of moisture will fall from the tree prior to even changing color.

• Cool nights are needed for the colors to start.  Freezing temperatures however will have a negative effect where this will also cause the leaves to fall from the trees before completing the color change.

• The higher the elevation, the sooner the nights are cooler, and the sooner the leaves change color.  This is why you can enjoy such variances in the Smokies, especially when looking at a mountainside that takes in the entire elevation spectrum.

• The Smokies has a huge variety of tree species, and each species has a different color schedule.  This is another reason why the Smokies are such a popular fall color destination with such an amazing range of colors.

The fall color season is one of the busiest in the Smokies.  If you are planning on staying a few days it would be advantageous that you make your lodging reservations early.  When you come, don't forget your camera, as well as suitable clothing for what could possibly be cooler weather.

Whatever you do, don't stay in your car!  If you can, find a place to park and take a walk to enjoy the sights and smells of the season.  Even the simple pleasure of breathing in the fresh fall air, and feeling the leaves crunching under your feet can be a fond Smokies memory!

You can enjoy the fall colors almost anywhere in the Smokies.  Some areas, such as Cades Cove are very popular, and you may wish to avoid these during the peak season. 

Bear Season in the Smokies

It is that time of year in the Smokies when the bears in the Great Smoky Mountain National park go foraging for food prior to their hibernation.  Early indications from the park rangers indicates that the bears may be more aggressive, and they will move into urban areas in search of food.

"Many bears are going to be very persistent in trying to get food from people," said Kim DeLozier, wildlife biologist with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During their "fall shuffle," bears range out of their home territories to look for food, DeLozier said. But if their usual forage appears to be in short supply, and that can drive the bears into urban areas to look for food.

Studies have shown that during this period, female black bears in the mountains can roam more than 2,800 acres, while males in the mountains covered more than 15,000 acres.

"If they can't find natural foods then obviously they're going to look for alternatives, which would be food and garbage from people," he said. "People could expect in areas around the park to experience more bear activity in the next couple of months."   This also means that bears will be more persistent in their attempts to obtain food from tourists.

The standard park policy of "Do not feed the wildlife" becomes even more important now, as a close encounter with a hungry bear is a good way to ruin a vacation!

If you plan to travel in the back country areas of the park, you should be cautious about how you handle and store your food.  The park has posted warnings and they will close campsites due to aggressive bears.

What to Do if you Encounter a Bear

If you do encounter a bear while visiting the Smokies, it is important that you are aware of the what to do and what NOT to do.  If you have children with you, it would be a good idea to make sure that they too understand what to do should they encounter a black bear!  Bears in the park are wild and their behavior is sometimes unpredictable. Although extremely rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution and follow these guidelines:

• Never feed a black bear or for that matter any wild animal in the park.

• Keep children and pets under control and if possible bring them to a safe place such as the inside of a vehicle.

• If you see a bear remain watchful. Do not approach it. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) then you're too close.  Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Try to increase the distance between you and the
  bear. The bear will probably do the same.

• If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting, try changing your direction. If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground. If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it. Act aggressively and try to intimidate the bear. Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Use a deterrent such as a stout stick. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems.   Most injuries from black bear attacks are minor and result from a bear attempting to get at people's food.  If the bear's behavior indicates that it is after your food and you're physically attacked, separate yourself from the food and slowly back away.

• A bear can run, climb or swim faster than you can. If the backing away from the bear does not work and making as much noise as possible to intimidate the bear does not work, fight back using any objects you can find around you such as rocks, branches, etc. You should stand up large and wave your hands in the air and act aggressively. Playing dead is a last resort and may still allow serious injury to anyone doing so.

• Approaching any wild animal may disturb it. Wildlife harassment is punishable by fines of up to $5000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months.

Being responsible can save lives and not following basic black bear safety rules can be harmful to the bear.  Feeding a bears is the main cause of most black bear problems in Smokies

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