In an area of increasing urbanization, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides wildlife with a 469-mile refuge. From mountaintops to valley bottoms, small seeps to large rivers, and agricultural fields to old growth forests, the Parkway offers a wide range of habitats for a wide range of animal species. As animals continue to lose their habitats on adjoining lands, they can still be found in the forests and streams along the Parkway.
More than fifty species of mammals, ranging in size from black bears down to shrews, have been found on the Parkway. Over a hundred and fifty types of birds nest on Parkway lands, and dozens of others rest themselves here on their spring and fall migrations. The list goes on with about forty species each of amphibians and reptiles, down to an untold number of invertebrates.
Several animals that were eradicated from the Southern Appalachians are now making a comeback. Beavers, peregrine falcons, and river otters, not long ago gone from the Southern Appalachians can now be found along the Parkway. Others that were reduced to low numbers, such as wild turkeys and black bears, are making a strong comeback. Together these animals help to restore the biological health of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Parkway Wildlife Photo Gallery
Beaver: Friend or Foe
Beavers are a relatively new sight along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but they are no strangers to this region. They roamed in abundance until unregulated trapping caused their disappearance around 1897. Recently reestablished, beavers have become a topic of much debate.
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, beavers clog culverts and spillways with debris, undermine trails and create hazards. The ponds and wetlands they create provide essential habitat for fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. This increases the biological diversity of the region.
The National Park Service welcomes the return of the beaver, a native species. Populations are controlled only when activities endanger people or threaten to destroy major resources.
American Black Bears
The American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species. Black bears are omnivores with diets that vary greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in search of food. Sometimes they become attracted to human communities because of the immediate availability of food. The American black bear is the world’s most common bear species.
Black Bear Facts
- Black bears have short claws that give them excellent tree-climbing abilities.
- A black bear’s diet consists of 59% berries and nuts, 28% grasses and forbs, and 12% insects and meat.
- There are estimated to be 600,000 black bears in North America. 300,000 of those are in the US alone.
- Their mating seasons usually lasts from late June to early August and the sows reproduce every two years.
- They are normally 5-6 ft long and 2-3 ft high, and can weigh between 100-400 lbs.
- If the winter weather is particularly mild, the black bears will not hibernate, instead foraging for food throughout the season.
- The total length of adult bear skulls was found to average 262 to 317 mm (10.3 to 12.5 in).
- Black bears feature prominently in the stories of some of America’s indigenous peoples. One tale tells of how the black bear was a creation of the Great Spirit, while the grizzly was created by the Evil Spirit.
Black Bear Safety
Remember that Black Bears are wild and dangerous animals. Seeing a bear is exciting and the highlight of any visit to a national park; however, while visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway come and go, bears and other wildlife live here. Your actions can have a direct and lasting impact on the health and behavior of these magnificent animals.
The biggest threat to bears is humans, namely the availability of human food and garbage. While visiting the park please remember to do the following:
- Do not feed bears or other wildlife! Approaching any wild animal is dangerous! Feeding and harassing wildlife is illegal and is punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to six months.
- Store all food items. Mandatory food storage regulations are in effect in all park campgrounds, developed areas, and backcountry campsites. All food, coolers, utensils, cook stoves and other food items must be stored out of sight in a close vehicle or if available, in a bear-proof food storage locker. Never leave food or coolers unattended. Treat non-food items such as gum, pet food, soap, and deodorant as food. They are attractive to a bear’s keen sense of smell.
- Keep your area clean. Pick up food scraps and dispose of all garbage including fruit rinds and cores in a secure trashcan or dumpster. Close the lid after depositing your trash. Do not place trash outside of an overflowing dumpster or trashcan. Clean fire grates and rings when you are finished. Pick up food scraps and aluminum foil and dispose of them in a secure dumpster or trashcan. Do not burn garbage or food scraps in grills or fire pits.
Encountering a Black Bear
Encountering a bear can be an exciting yet very scary experience. Here are some tips to remember if you ever encounter a bear:
- Along the trail – If you see a bear, remain watchful. Do not approach it. If your presence causes a bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction)– YOU ARE 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 while watching the bear. Try to increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. Always make yourself look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear. Don’t run and don’t turn away from the bear.
- In your camp – The best way to avoid bears is not to attract them. The majority of bear encounters in campgrounds are the result of inadequate storage of foods and other attractants (i.e. toothpaste, soap, etc.). In order to prevent bear encounters, keep tents and sleeping bags free of food odors; do not store food, garbage, or other attractants in them. A clean camp is essential to reducing problems. Pick up food scraps and garbage around your site. Secure food and other attractants at night or when not in use. If a bear enters your campsite, pack up your food and trash. If necessary, try to scare the animal away by talking loudly or shouting at it, by banging pots together or even throwing nonfood objects. Do not however, throw food at the bear, this encourages further problems. If the bear is persistent, move away slowly to your vehicle or another secure area. Report the incident to a Ranger right away.
The stunning wildlife along the Blue Ridge Parkway attracts more than 14 million annual visitors from near and far for viewing and photographing opportunities. This information-packed, pocket-size field guide features more than 200 species of mammals, birds, insects, fish, wildflowers, mushrooms and more in a convenient, portable package.Book Details Buy Now