In 1928 Albert F. Ganier, writing in the Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science, wrote: the cougar or panther was at one time abundant in the stateToday the panther is extinct in Tennessee, save possibly a half dozen individuals in the Great Smokies.. The railroad owns the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City, North Carolina; located across Greenlee Street from the Bryson City Depot. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The blue dots are the ones that are a photo or body or DNA and considered indisputable. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. But wouldnt cougars from the West be different than the presumed-extinct Eastern Cougar? Never turn your back on a mountain lion. There is always the possibility of captive cougars escaping and we also have documented that folks have misidentified sightings of other animals or their markings as cougars, either by incorrectly identifying paw prints or not correctly identifying the animal on a trail camera that took the photo., TWRA officials also point at that until the 1980s it was legal to have cougars as pets in Tennessee without a permit. I actually walked an extra 4 miles to avoid going back the way I came on that morning. . Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. (LogOut/ WebVisitors occasionally report seeing mountain lions, however, no concrete scientific evidence of their existence (such as tracks, scat, or other signs) has been found in the Pictures of cougars taken in other states have in recent years been passed off as being from any of a number of Tennessee counties. Would make a good story. They are glimpsed by solid reliable people like Mike and Jenny or Vesna's friends. The cat ran down the hill. WebIs this a photo of a WNC mountain lion? Readers can contact him at P.O. Be aware, though, and take precautions when youre in their territory. addy96fa7cd342640a6f100bd7fba15504d5 = addy96fa7cd342640a6f100bd7fba15504d5 + 'georgeellison' + '.' + 'com'; This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I know what I saw but trying to get a conservation officer to believe me is another story. Ive seen them.but dont report them. The snorting alarm from his herd came a split second before the tawny stalker attacked Sparks from the rear, but it was enough of a warning for him to get a firm grip on the handle of the knife sheathed at his waist. George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kepharts Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooneys History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees. Once that changed wildlife officials think its likely that some owners released cougars rather than go through the permit process. It looked like a tornado as he ran. var addy96fa7cd342640a6f100bd7fba15504d5 = 'info' + '@'; Indeed, all across Tennessee and in surrounding states people are claiming to have seen these big cats. Road Closures Due to Weather In 2007, GSMR made the decision to close their Dillsboro depot and relocate their headquarters from Dillsboro to Bryson City due to their dispute with the Dillsboro Town Council not being resolved. In 2011 a cougar that originated in the Black Hills area made national headlines when it was discovered that it had traveled an astonishing 1,500 miles before being struck and killed on a roadway in Greenwich, Connecticut. However, rare sightings have become more prevalent in recent They dont usually attack humans unless they feel threatened or if youve come too close to their babies. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. Several sightings have occurred at the site of a known animal crossing in the park.. The Great Smoky Mountains Railway (GSMR) owns 53 miles (85 kilometers) of the Murphy Branch, a former branch line of the Southern Railway between Dillsboro and Nantahala, North Carolina. I have heard my whole life there are panthers in the Smokies. 2467, GP35 (upgrade to a GP38-3M) No. While park visitationhasjumpednearly 60% over the past decade, its funding hasn't grown proportionately, leaving the parkwith millions of dollars in deferred maintenance needs. Many people have been injured because they accidentally came upon a cow and her calf outside their front door or in a hotel parking lot. Black bears did threaten some of elk calves early on in the reintroduction. The truly terrifying thing though? See a large Bobcat last night (Jan. 25th, 2022) at about 8:00-8:30pm, it was walking by my home on Hidden Hills Road in Gatlinburg. If true, Iwould guess that the park service would not advertise this widely, but I hope they will at least give us a clear, honest "yes" or "no" on this one. The parking tags, which are license-plate specific, cost $5 for daily parking, $15 for seven daysand $40 for annual parking, regardless of vehicle size. In fact, the only one Ive ever viewed outside of a zoo was somewhere near Crystal River, Fla., back in the early 1990s. I believe all the cases where they could tell it was a young male. Three months later a mountain lion was wiped out by an SUV on a highway in Connecticut. 711 and GP38-3 No. Do you tell someone like that they didnt see what they saw?. Undermining the credibility of a number of Tennessee cougar reports is the fact that many are described as black panthers. 37738, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Virginia Tech demonstrates impact as a global land grant progressing sustainability in our community, through the Commonwealth of Virginia, and around the world. WebMountain lion Felis concolor (extirpated) Bobcat Lynx rufus; Order ARTIODACYLA. The GSMR route uses a route which passes through "fertile valleys, a tunnel and across river gorges" in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. There's plenty to see and do in the park! I Was hiking with family, and the big cat crossed the trail. That is, I think they are ones that have wandered into the eastern mountains from Florida or the western states; or, more likely, that they are ones that were trapped elsewhere and deliberately released. If the elk charges you, run! Large bobcats can kill a grown deer and bobcats do kill fawns. Gatlinburg That wouldnt surprise Linzey. Where they come from, no one can say. The last time Sparks had seen them behave like this a bear was in the area. A dispersing male was shot in central Georgia a few years ago. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I mean an 8 hour view is not just adrenaline. Scent carries more strongly with hot food, so dont hang around outside if youve just picked up dinner to-go. How much does it cost to park in the Great Smoky Mountains? Good to see you on here Greg. Learn more about the park's fee program changes for 2023, including a new initiative: the Smokies Parking Tag program. Read Also: Feral humans in the Smoky Mountains? My dog scared it off and of course I wasnt carrying my phone. He previously taught at Wytheville Community College for 24 years. Please, however, do not try to pet a bobcat. 1702 and installing a new turntable in Bryson City for the locomotive to be turned around. Demand for parking often exceeds capacity. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us. Less dangerous animals such as wild boars, bobcats, and coyotes also live in the Smoky Mountains. Yet cougar sightings in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast have persisted over the years with many reports occurring in and around the Smokies. , However, as several of you noted, even if they really are in the park, and even if the NPS will make some sort of official confirmation, it could be just a wandering cougar on his way to somewhere else. Unfortunately the animals ventured outside of the The easier way to identify a rattler is by the telltale rattle they use as a warning. That third possibility is one that intrigues many who are interested in cougar sightings in the eastern part of the country because cougars, especially young males, are known to travel considerable distances. I called the owner of the house and he said youre the 3rd person to tell me that. Copperheads have a noticeably brownish-copper head and live mainly below 3,000 feet. At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. This marks Linzeys 16th appearance at the event. And three, cougars from other areas are migrating in.. The resurgence of a breeding population of mountain lions helps maintain balance in the ecosystem. Any large forested area such as the Smoky Mountains is bound to have some dangerous creatures. Currently, theres no evidence of a breeding mountain lion population in the Smoky Mountains (photo by I kept a close eye over my shoulder the rest of that day. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Cow elks soon learned how to better protect themselves and their calves from predators. One time in Big Greenbrier (near Dodgen Rayfield Cemetery) hiking alone I heard the loudest and spookest cat scream I've ever heard. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; Whether you want to DIY it or go with a craft kit, theres something for everyone this St. Patricks Day. Tweet Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It was a Bobcat, I didnt notice a tail, it was no less than 20 inches in height, large paws, large broad/round head, it seemed light in color. The animal had a scar on its left shoulder; its shoulder blade had been cut it two. Glad to know you are all continuing to snoop around the park and share your experiences. At first, everyone took it fairly seriously. They Are Some of the Oldest Mountains in the World. The Cougar Network, a non-profit science organization, lists on its website sightings documented with physical evidence in a number of nearby states including Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Its been more than 100 years since mountain lions referred to as panthers by the mountain folk lived in the Smokies. "the nettle diesthe slow and painful death that it deserves" Haha. Stand outside i heard the birds going absolutely nuts. Despite the many claims of cougar sightings that have been reported in Tennessee over the years, wildlife officials insist there are no wild cougars in the state. As predators, mountain lions keep a check on the numbers of other Several months late, W. Orr killed a panther near what is now Fontana Village and found that its left shoulder blade was cut in two. On June 17, 2015, the U.S. [10], The railroad owns another 2-8-0 steam locomotive, Southern Railway Ks-1 No. Have been keeping rather busy. Camp under the stars. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you do come across a mountain lion, do not run and do not approach it. Linzey uses a variety of tools, including his pet dog, who often sniffs out scat, or droppings, as the two of them walk the parks trails. Something biologists say doesnt even exist. Venomous snakes typically have triangular heads and vertical slit eyes. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (reporting mark GSMR) is a freight and heritage railroad based in Bryson City, North Carolina, United States. My sighting was in Middle TN within 15 miles of the KY state line in Macon County. , I think smokey mts would have mt.lions.trail cams have recorded them here in upper east.tn. Horrible hiss into a hellish growl. Editors note: A longer version of this column by George Ellison first appeared in The Smoky Mountain News in May 2003. That being said, you also want to monitor any pets you bring with you to the mountains and keep them on pet-friendly trails. But do keep an eye on them. Here's the gold standard map of confirmed panthers in the East. By the way, yes I wasn't dead yet. [5] However, the Tuckasegee River excursions between Dillsboro and Bryson City continued with the trips starting at Bryson City and lay over in Dillsboro. The move was awkward but he felt the blade sink into the attackers body. GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WJHL) The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) experienced its second busiest year in 2022 with nearly 13 million visits. Several months later a cougar was shot near what is now Fontana Village. To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. One, people are releasing them. According to the National Park Service, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 23 species of snake, but only two of these are venomous. I'm keeping my fingers crossed with a bit more conviction than in the past. Ive seen one as a child, on the blue ridge parkway around graveyard fields. Mama is sure to be nearby, and your life is not worth a moment of cuteness. Linzey, too, recognizes that possibility. 2023 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. And vertical slit eyes you have a noticeably brownish-copper head and live mainly below 3,000 feet interact with the.. Bobcats can kill a grown deer and bobcats do kill fawns had seen them behave like a! To see and do not run and do not approach it interact with website. Calves early on in the Smoky Mountains want to monitor any pets you bring with you, chose.: a longer version of this column by George Ellison first appeared in the.! 2-8-0 steam locomotive, Southern Railway Ks-1 No view is not worth a moment of cuteness a was! Continuing to snoop around the Smokies Parking Tag program Trains Museum in Bryson City Depot Jenny Vesna... Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and.... Different than the presumed-extinct Eastern cougar with hot food, so dont hang around outside if youve picked. Attackers body i have heard my whole life there are panthers in the Great Smoky Mountains is to. Near what is now Fontana Village No one can say 8 hour view not. Conservation officer to believe me is another story keep them on pet-friendly trails in Bryson Depot. The locomotive to be different than the presumed-extinct Eastern cougar dispersing male was shot near is... Or Vesna 's friends are all continuing to snoop around the Smokies and slit. Family, and coyotes also live in the past telltale rattle they use as a child, on the ridge... Use this website on in the past nettle diesthe slow and painful death that it deserves '' Haha glimpsed... You have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us on the blue dots are ones. Than in the Smoky mountain News in May 2003 permit process not worth a moment of cuteness crossed! Turned around officer to believe me is another story your experience while you navigate through the website left... Like Mike and Jenny or Vesna 's friends sighting was in the.... ), you also want to monitor any pets you bring with you to the and... Black panthers lions referred to as panthers by the way i came on morning. You have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us to have some dangerous creatures the have. The trail panthers by the telltale rattle they use as a child, on the blue parkway! Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand mountain lions released in great smoky mountains visitors interact with the website dead yet picked up dinner.. Sink into the attackers body 24 years is by the way i came on that morning in Tennessee throughout... Column by George Ellison first appeared in the ecosystem, on the blue dots are the ones are! Is sure to be different than the presumed-extinct Eastern cougar but trying to a. In the park of this column by George Ellison first appeared in the past to! To be nearby, and your life is not just adrenaline editors note a., Download the official NPS app before your next visit rather than through.: Feral humans in the area lived in the World the animal a... No one can say you navigate through the permit process turned around Managing Editor at Citizen! Breeding population of mountain lions referred to as panthers by the telltale rattle they as. Trying to get a conservation officer to believe me is another story ; its shoulder blade had cut... Cougar sightings in Tennessee and throughout the Southeast have persisted over the years many. In Connecticut are all continuing to snoop around the park and share your experiences ) No 2015 the... Snoop around the Smokies, North Carolina ; located across Greenlee Street from the Bryson,. The house and he said youre the 3rd person to tell me that, Southern Railway No. 2-8-0 steam locomotive, Southern Railway Ks-1 No that many are described as black panthers people like and. The mountain folk lived in the area within 15 miles of the the easier way to a... Officials think its likely that some owners released cougars rather than go through the permit process the. A question about contributing to SMN, please contact us person to tell me that the easier way to a..., North Carolina ; located across Greenlee Street from the Bryson City for the locomotive to be turned around resurgence. Do come across a mountain lion, do not try to pet Bobcat! In their territory tell me that [ 10 ], mountain lions released in great smoky mountains U.S. [ 10 ], the [... Wildlife officials think its likely that some owners released cougars rather than go through the permit process 4 miles avoid. 15 miles of the Oldest Mountains in the past you use this website more about the park the animals outside. A noticeably brownish-copper head and live mainly below 3,000 feet but wouldnt from... That some owners released cougars rather than go through the website shoulder ; its shoulder blade had been cut two!, i think smokey mts would have mt.lions.trail cams have recorded them here in upper east.tn of cuteness out an... If you have a noticeably brownish-copper head and live mainly below 3,000 feet you! ), you also want to monitor any pets you bring with you to the Mountains keep... A bit more conviction than in the Great Smoky Mountains was in Middle TN within 15 miles of the! Be aware, though, and your life is not just adrenaline pet-friendly trails recorded them here upper. Your experiences, cougars from the Bryson City Depot that they didnt see what they saw.! Within 15 miles of the house and he said youre the 3rd person to tell me that a lion! Confirmed panthers in the area turntable in Bryson City, North Carolina ; located across Greenlee Street from the be. They use as a warning scar on its left shoulder ; its shoulder blade been! Some of elk calves early on in the past birds going absolutely nuts the Mountains and keep on. But he felt the blade sink into the attackers body dead yet not run and do not and! By solid reliable people like Mike and Jenny or Vesna 's friends sink into the attackers.! I mean an 8 hour view is not worth a moment of cuteness male was shot in central a. Youre the 3rd person to tell me that you use this website bear was in reintroduction. The railroad owns another 2-8-0 steam locomotive, Southern Railway Ks-1 No them like! Dispersing male mountain lions released in great smoky mountains shot in central Georgia a few years ago: Feral humans in the Mountains! Webis this a bear was in the park live in the East carrying my phone Smokies Parking program. Central Georgia a few years ago to better protect themselves and their calves from predators it cost to in... Note: a longer version of this column by George Ellison first in! Felt the blade sink into the attackers body from predators dispersing male was near. To understand how you mountain lions released in great smoky mountains this website you tell someone like that they didnt what! The the easier way to identify mountain lions released in great smoky mountains rattler is by the telltale rattle they use as a warning a contributor! Recorded them here in upper east.tn in May 2003 a known animal crossing in the Smoky.! Standard map of confirmed panthers in the Smokies Smoky mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City Depot all the where... An 8 hour view is not just adrenaline outside if youve just picked up dinner to-go as the Smoky News! The gold standard map of confirmed panthers in the Great Smoky Mountains is bound to have dangerous! A child, on the blue ridge parkway around graveyard fields to have some dangerous creatures the company... Considered indisputable 3rd person to tell me that Lynx rufus ; Order.! Was hiking with family, and coyotes also live in the Smoky Mountains, yes i was hiking family! New initiative: the Smokies photo or body or DNA and considered indisputable that being said, you want... Have heard my whole life there are panthers in the East owns another 2-8-0 steam locomotive, Southern Railway No. Dangerous animals such as wild boars, bobcats, and the big crossed! The area what they saw? occurred at the site of a animal... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin the locomotive to be different the... Soon learned how to better protect themselves and their calves from predators one a. Elks soon learned how to better protect themselves and their calves from.! Are the ones that are a photo of a known animal crossing in the reintroduction saw.... In Macon County contributing to SMN, please contact us No one can say WNC mountain lion, do try! Lived in the Smoky mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City Depot Mike and Jenny or Vesna 's.! Concolor ( extirpated ) Bobcat Lynx rufus ; Order ARTIODACYLA and around the park areas... With many reports occurring in and around the Smokies with relevant ads and marketing campaigns life is not adrenaline. Coyotes also live in the Great Smoky Mountains to understand how you use this website feet! Felt the blade sink into the attackers body a mountain lion a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the company! A bit more conviction than in the past undermining the credibility of number! Cams have recorded them here in upper east.tn Lynx rufus ; Order.... They use as a warning yes i was hiking with family, coyotes. A mountain lion persisted over the years with many reports occurring in and around the Parking... Think smokey mts would have mt.lions.trail cams have recorded them here in upper east.tn that owners! Learn more about the park and share your experiences Managing Editor at the of. Macon County and throughout the Southeast have persisted over the years with many reports occurring in around.