Obviously, one of the major draws of Gatlinburg TN, is the abundance of lush, natural sites and sounds. However, along with this landscape comes another, sometimes unwanted feature – the prevalence of wildlife in the area. Animals are able to run free in Gatlinburg woods and parks, so you should definitely keep this in mind when planning your trip to the area. This is especially true when bringing small children along with you to join in the outdoor fun. Arming yourself with the knowledge of how to approach and deal with the potentially dangerous wildlife of the region (which consists of black bears, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and wolves) will certainly help in the long and the short term.

Please keep in mind that most Gatlinburg cabins in the area are within close proximity of the National Park and/or some river and streams. Planning for certain situations can be very resourceful.

First and foremost, you should always obey the famous adage “Don’t feed the animals!” Feeding animals, especially their young, can put you and your family in definite danger. Approaching an animal that is in the process of feeding its young is also particularly dangerous. In fact, being in close proximity to any of the wildlife in the area can be potentially hazardous. You should thus always be careful when attempting to capture these creatures on film.

The main thing to keep in mind when approached by these animals is to stay calm and be prepared. This is especially true when enjoying the lush nature trails that Gatlinburg offers. Ensure that your children know that the creatures of the area are not the same as family pets. You can also instill in your children and family some helpful tips, such as:

1. Remain upright in order to appear larger (and therefore more intimidating) to the animal
2. Give the animal space. This creates a larger window for them to get away from you.
3. Make no sudden movement. Backing away slowly and quietly is still the best way to make your escape.

Being mindful of the presence of these animals and the techniques to approach them can put you one step in the right direction to keeping you and your family safe. While the wildlife of Gatlinburg is certainly beautiful, you should always remember that you are vacationing in their natural habitat. Because of this, appropriate respect for them is always in order.