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If your ideal vacation includes breathtaking views, restful walks in nature, the comfort of a cozy cabin, and charming encounters with wildlife, include the Smoky Mountain National Park on your list of must-see travel destinations. At around 800 square miles, this park is teeming with animals, from the rivers to the sky and forest floor. Here are some of the creatures you might encounter.

Look for These 5 Animals When You Rent a Cabin in the Smokies

1. Owls

Owls are often considered to be mysterious, beautiful birds, and nature-lovers will be delighted to hear their distinctive calls while strolling through the woods or sitting on a log cabin’s porch. Owl species in the Smokies include the Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Eastern Screech-Owl, among others.

2. Elk

Elk were once plentiful in the Smokies, but hunting and habitat damage eradicated them from the area hundreds of years ago. In the early 2000s, a program reintroduced them; today, a thriving herd of around 200 animals testifies to the hope that damage to endangered species can be undone.

cabinElk are most active around early morning and late evening. The main herd roams the Cataloochee Valley in the park’s southwest region; traveling to this area may provide an opportunity to view these beautiful animals from a safe distance.

3. Salamanders

Often mistaken for lizards, salamanders are actually amphibians with long bodies and vivid coloring. If you’re interested in learning more about them, you’re in luck—the Great Smoky Mountains are considered the salamander capital of the world. There are five different families of salamander in the park, making this a natural destination for anyone interested in studying them.

4. Northern Flying Squirrels

Several endangered species live in the Smokies, including the California Northern Flying Squirrel. Much of the habitat where this species lives has been destroyed by wildfires and deforestation; however, they can still be found in the Smokies. Visitors set on seeing them will need to venture out at night into high-elevation forests.

5. Black Bears

Black bears are common in the park, with a fluctuating population of roughly 1,500. These enormous animals are the top predator in their area, and the males generally weigh around 250 pounds during summer. Bears are dangerous but taking proper precautions will allow visitors to enjoy their stay without much risk.

 

If you’re looking for a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, either for a few people or a large group, contact American Patriot Getaways. Their lodgings are surrounded by peaceful beauty but are close enough to Gatlinburg and Pidgeon Forge that vacationers will enjoy a range of activities and attractions in the area. Learn more today by visiting them online or calling (800) 204-5169.

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