Instructions
- Read the background information provided in each section carefully.
- Complete the activities in order, moving from foundational facts to real-world applications.
- Use the tables and charts to organize your findings. If you are stuck, look for the "Hint" boxes.
- Complete the Challenge Question at the end if you finish early or want to test your expertise.
The Ghosts of the Cove: American Black Bears
Cades Cove, a lush valley tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the best places in the world to observe the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). While they are called "black bears," their fur can range from coal-black to cinnamon or even blonde. In the Smokies, however, almost all are black.
Section 1: Biological Profile
Match the biological trait to its survival advantage. Draw a line or write the letter in the space provided.
- Curved Claws [ ] --- A. Allows the bear to detect food from miles away.
- Omnivorous Diet [ ] --- B. Provides energy for the winter dormant period.
- Acute Sense of Smell [ ] --- C. Excellent for climbing the large oak trees in Cades Cove.
- Thick Layer of Fat [ ] --- D. Allows the bear to eat berries, nuts, insects, and meat depending on what is in season.
Section 2: The Seasonal Menu
Black bears are "opportunistic feeders." This means they eat whatever is easiest to find. In Cades Cove, their diet shifts drastically with the seasons.
Complete the table below identifying what a bear might eat during different times of the year.
| Season | Food Source | Why it is important |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Squawroot & Grasses | High in fiber to wake up the digestive system after winter. |
| Summer | ||
| Summer | ||
| Fall | ||
| Fall | ||
| Winter |
Hint: Think about berries in July, acorns (hard mast) in October, and what happens to their activity in January!
Section 3: The Cades Cove Conflict (Real-World Application)
Cades Cove attracts millions of tourists. When humans get too close to bears or leave food out, bears become "habituated." This means they lose their fear of humans, which often leads to the bear having to be euthanized for public safety.
Analyze the scenarios below. Circle the correct action and explain WHY.
Scenario A: You are biking the Cades Cove loop and see a mother bear and two cubs 30 yards away near the fence.
- Action: A) Move closer for a better photo. B) Stop, stay back, and give them at least 50 yards of space.
- Reason:
Scenario B: You finish your picnic at the Cades Cove picnic area and have one half-eaten apple left.
- Action: A) Throw it into the woods; it’s biodegradable and "natural." B) Pack it in a bear-proof trash can.
- Reason:
Section 4: Behavior Observation
Bears communicate through body language. If you were an ethologist (a scientist who studies animal behavior) in the field, what would these signs tell you?
-
The bear is "clacking" its teeth together and huffing. Observation: __
-
The bear stands up on its hind legs. Observation: __ (Hint: Is this aggression or curiosity?)
Section 5: Challenge Question (Advanced Learners)
The Carrying Capacity Problem: Ecologists estimate that the Great Smoky Mountains can support roughly two bears per square mile. Cades Cove is approximately 10 square miles. However, the bear density in the Cove is often much higher than the park average.
Question: Why might Cades Cove support a higher population density of bears than the surrounding steep, heavily forested mountain peaks? Consider geography, food sources, and human impact in your answer.
Answer Key
Section 1: 1-C, 2-D, 3-A, 4-B
Section 2 (Suggested Answers):
- Summer: Berries (Blackberries/Blueberries) | High sugar for immediate energy.
- Summer: Insects (Beetles/Grubs) | Source of protein.
- Fall: Acorns/Hickory Nuts | High fat/protein for winter storage.
- Fall: Walnuts | High caloric density.
- Winter: Mostly nothing (Dormancy) | Conserving energy in the den.
Section 3:
- Scenario A: B. Why: Mother bears are extremely protective; 50 yards is the legal and safe limit.
- Scenario B: B. Why: Feeding bears (even scraps) teaches them to associate humans with food, making them "nuisance bears."
Section 4:
- The bear is stressed or agitated; it is a warning to back away.
- The bear is curious; it is trying to get a better scent or view of its surroundings (not necessarily an aggressive stance).
Section 5 (Challenge): Cades Cove is a valley floor with diverse edges (meadows meeting forests). This provides a "buffet" of food: grasses/clovers in the fields and nuts in the forest. The flat terrain requires less caloric expenditure to traverse than steep mountains, and the abundance of water sources makes it a prime habitat.