They also strictly enforce regulations that prohibit approaching, harassing, disturbing or feeding bears. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. Our mission at Wildlife Informer is to share free information and pictures of wildlife with our readers. These creatures are pretty stocky, and they pack on the pounds before winter. About 1,500 black bears call the park home, for an average of two bears per square mile. Campers should not burn food scraps or trash at any fire pit or grill. It can also make the bear too brave and result in a bear attack. Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are incredibly rare and deaths even more so. It is preferable not to hike alone. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. Coyotes can be found in Cades Cove, and they hunt small prey while alone and can chase down larger animals while in packs. The park is one of the largest protected areas where black bears live in the wild in the eastern United States. The Park includes wildlife, waterfalls, highland pastures, fresh mountain streams, high mountains, and extensive forests.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',164,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Because of its magnificence and proximity to the surrounding cities, the Park ranks as a top tourist destination in East Tennessee, making it a critical economic resource. Drove up to a cabin in Gatlinburg TN, Smoky Mountains Park with Sean from YouTube @WeReviewU to see a surprise#gatlinburg #smokymountains #bears Thank you so. This massive park stretches over 522,427 acres of mountains, lush forests, streams, and valleys. Whenever bears come into our minds, they represent a creature that humans fear. Most cabins have bear-proof trash containers, which you must use, and latch closed. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. To prevent any accidents, it is imperative to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards and try to view from afar using binoculars and cameras. Again, never feed or throw food to the bears. The black bear is one of the most popular animals for visitors to spot in Tennessees Smoky Mountains! 3. These citations can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Bobcats have spotted coats, short ears, and stubby tails. They usually keep to themselves, and rarely attack unprovoked, so as long as you maintain a distance and observe with binoculars and cameras, you are set to have an incredible experience without mishaps! The icing on the cake is the presence of over 20,000 different species, which is any nature enthusiasts dream come true. The National Park Service requires you to always stay 50 yards or 150 feet away from wildlife. You are more likely to see them during the spring-summer months at sunrise and after sunset. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forgecampgrounds come in many forms. Meadows interspersed through the forest bloom with azalea, ragwort, and butterfly weed, as well as offering a better range of vision for catching a glimpse of an elusive black bear. Past the campsite the trail starts climbing, gaining 2,000 feet in only 3 miles. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. As the name suggests, the Northern Copperhead comes in copper, pink, and orange shades, with brown patches crossing the body. Cades Cove is one of the best places for bear-spotting in the park, but most visitors only see it from the road, slogging through slow-moving lines of cars full of tourists. Cades Cove. Bears eat extra to double their weight by the fall since they sleep for so many months so they dont have to wake up and try to find food in the winter. Stay safe in black bear country! If you brought it with you, then pack it out! Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC, TN Black Bear Management This orphaned bear cub from the Smokies gets another chance with a foster bear at Virginia Tech. Start from the Gregory Ridge Trailhead, passing backcountry site 12 at mile 2 (make a. to extend your trip from a day to a weekend). Another non-native species, the gypsy moth, is expanding its range toward the park. Here are some tips on what to do if you encourage a black bear in the Smoky Mountains: If a black bear follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting: Please dont worry if you do see a bear as attacks are very rare, and deaths are incredibly uncommon! According to a range of knowledgeable sources, the best place to see black bears when visiting the Smoky Mountains is in Cades Cove, a spot just a few miles from Gatlinburg and Townsend, Tennessee.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); They generally like to spend time in remote, highly wooded areas. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a beautiful 5.5 mile one-way loop road that starts and ends in Gatlinburg, making it convenient for those who want to make a quick side trip from downtown Gatlinburg! Bear attacks in the Smoky Mountains are very rare. In some areas the number of bears that have to be trapped and moved away has decreased by ten fold! Black bears love Cades Cove because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of food sources. Here is how you should act when visiting the park. Its hard to say whos more excited about the blueberries crowding this peak every August, the hikers or the bears. Treat bear encounters with extreme caution! Do not invite bears into your campsite by storing food in or around your tent. Black bears can live anywhere from 12-15 years. Feeding bears in the Smokies by the way is a big no-no and illegal. You should stand your ground and wave your arms in the air and make noises to deter the bear. Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the parks famous black bear! You probably dont know this, but not all black bears are black! Weight can range from 200 to 600 pounds. Bears should also be treated with caution and respect. The main thing you should take away from this is that you cannot outrun a bear. The Red Fox and the Gray Fox live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The landscape stretches over 500,000 acres between the States of Tennessee and North Carolina.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',163,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-medrectangle-3-0'); The Great Smokies National Park forms the largest wilderness making the area one of the crown jewels of the ecosystem, east of the Mississippi River. However, bears in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are wild creatures and can be dangerously unpredictable. WARNING: Willfully approaching a black bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the park. The Smoky Mountain area is one of the few places in the United States where wild black bears can be found living in their natural habitat. The outdoors might seem like a good place to toss your apple core or crust from a sandwich, but doing so in or around the national park is one of the biggest reasons bears are attracted to areas populated by humans. Although bear attacks on humans are rare, they can happen. Wildlife Informer is reader-supported. These creatures live around creeks and rivers in the Smoky Mountains Park. Females give birth in late winter and can sire up to six kittens, which they raise for 6-8 months at most. These bears pose a risk to public safety. The idea is to "make yourself big" and scare the bear away. Willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet is illegal in the park. Increase the distance between you and the bear. Wildlife managers actively monitor for bear activity and use innovative and proactive techniques to keep bears shy, secretive, and afraid of people. Can You See the Smoky Mountains from Knoxville. 107 Park Headquarters Road I was staying at a Lodge just about a mile off of the Gatlinburg strip last month and saw a young male black bear right outside our room in the creek. Source: @carlosfineartphoto Black bears in the Smokies are black in color, but in other parts of the country they may be brown or cinnamon. It is estimated that around 1,500 bears live inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They both grow from 20-25 lbs. Commonly born in pairs, the cubs will remain with the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again. Having determined when they are probably laying hibernating and making themselves scarce you can assume that the best time to spot a black bear is going to be in the spring, summer or early fall. The Smokies are also rich in wildlife with over 412 different types of animals residing here. Of course it most likely would never come to this as bears as long as you follow these basic guidelines for bear encounters, but maybe better safe than sorry? During summer months, some of the busiest picnic areas close at 8:00 PM so these areas can be thoroughly cleaned before dark and any food scraps or trash left by careless visitors can be removed. Even by taking all the right precautions, you could still encounter a bear in the Smokies. It is relatively thick, with black or brown cross bands with chestnut, gray or yellow light backgrounds. Both species are elusive and nocturnal. Its best to turn around and go back the way you came, especially if it appears to be a mother with cubs nearby as they can act aggressively if they feel threatened. They seem harmless at first glance, but are some of the most dangerous animals living in the smoky mountains when provoked. NPS photo. Look no further than Five Little Bears! The biggest salamander can grow to more than two feet long. You are more likely to see them during the early morning or the late afternoon when they forage for food. Black bears can be seen throughout the year except rarely during the winter months. If you see a bear before it sees you, don't approach. Black bears usually step away when they feel a human presence unless you get too close and give them a hand or if they are scavenging garbage. Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont Store: 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend . Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. The most recent bear attack in Great Smoky Mountain National Park involved a family of five and their dog camping in the park's Elkmont Campground on June 12. This is taken very seriously in the Smokies and I suggest you take it seriously as well. So be careful not to wander too far off your tour group/guide while hiking in the Smoky Mountains. The black bears of Great Smoky Mountains are unusual in their den choicesthey often den several feet off the ground in standing hollow trees. The adult male river otter also moves around in packs consisting of other males of up to 15 or more. June is one of the busiest months at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for both visitors and the parks 1,500 black bear residents, which is why basic bear safety is so important to learn before you visit. Photo: "Clingmans Dome (AKA Smoky Dome) - Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA" by jody.claborn is marked with CC PDM 1.0. Some are pretty friendly; others prefer to stay out of sight, while others are dangerous and can pose a threat if not treated with proper respect. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Bear proof dumpsters or trash cans can be found in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Park rangers patrol picnic areas and campgrounds to enforce evening closures, littering and food storage regulations. The trail bobs up and down past a few streams before reaching Hannah Cabin, built in 1864, at mile 1.2. Food sources like berries and wild apples, access to water, and good denning sites all increase the chances of spotting one of the Smokies bruins on your hike. Other Threats to Bears Bear Size & Color Humans are discouraged from feeding them because it reduces their lifespan significantly. You may think black bears only eat meat, but they are actually omnivores! Some bears in the park have even been documented to weigh over 600 pounds! More Bearpacker: In the Woods of Oklahoma, Researchers Are Helping to Rebuild a Bear Population. In the year 2000, the Chicago Tribune reported a woman was killed by a black bear within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 10 miles from Gatlinburg. A three-year-old girl and mother both sustained superficial lacerations . They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Insects and animal carrion provide valuable sources of protein for bears. In fact, it's so uncommon that it can be difficult to find many statistics on the subject. Since Cades Cove features a stunning mountain backdrop and wide open valleys, many bears enjoy this beautiful space in the park. First and foremost the consensus is to stay calm. At one time, the black bear's range included most of North America except the extreme west coast. Female black bears in the Smoky Mountains average around 100 pounds, while the males hover around 250 pounds. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. When the weather turns cold, they vanish from the woods, heading into their dens for a winter of hibernation. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. Everyone wants to know where you are likely to see black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Not only do these bears have a shorter lifespan from eating human food; they are much more likely to be euthanized for attacking humans. Sign up for Outside+ today. Cades Cove Visitor Center: 686 Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882. If you are caught by a parker ranger, you will receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_12',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-smokymtnopry_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Bears who eat human food and their waste live a shorter life. When you visit the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to use the provided bear-proof dumpsters and garbage cans. It is illegal and irresponsible to feed the black bears in the Smoky Mountains. Otters skillfully wade through the water at great speed using their tail in search of prey. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Its easy to spot one in the Smokies due to their colorful red hue and fluffy tail. The Great Smokies are referred to as the Salamander Capital due to their abundance in the Southern Mountains. The mountain Cougars seem shy and withdrawn, so they tend to stay out of sight, but they are dangerous. The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to insects, nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by the tantalizing smells of human food and garbage such as hot dogs, apple cores, chips, and watermelon rinds left on the ground in picnic areas, campgrounds, and along trails. Bears inhabit all elevations of the park. The parks omnivorous black bears eat about 85% fruits and nuts, with meat providing the remaining 15%, which makes berry patches an extremely important resource as they prepare for hibernation. Black bears in the mountains dont actually hibernate in the winter months, but they do sleep for longer periods of time when it gets cold. [NPS]. Can You Take Rocks from the Smoky Mountains? Bears that obtain human food and garbage damage property and injure people. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to the densest population of black bears in the United States. Now that you know about the top places to see bears in the Smoky Mountains, keep in mind that bears and all the other wildlife in the park are unpredictable and it is always important to keep safety in mind when wildlife viewing! Want to get listed and grow your business? Make your presence known. With numbers like that your odds of seeing a bear are pretty good, but picking the right spot can stack the deck. You can drive around on the loop and possibly see them passing through fields or even see them near the historic buildings or along the creek. Browse all Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg condos. In 2006, biologists estimated that the bear population in the national park was around 1,500, which means there is an average of two bears every square mile. These Appalachian Mountains not only offer us a view of the picturesque beauty of nature but also let us experience its thrill by capturing the animals in the wild; in their natural habitat. One of the most important things to remember if you are lucky enough spot a bear is to keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet (50 yards) and do not approach. At a safe distance of at least 150 feet this is a good opportunity to enjoy the sight before quietly moving away. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. 1. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park CSGM Theme by carodactyll | Digital Marketing by YlliB, Inc. By continuing to use our website, you are accepting the use of cookies. Bears remain a majority of all the mammals present here, most likely seen during the Spring-summer months. Leaving any food scraps or wrappers teaches bears to associate trails, campsites, and other heavily trafficked areas with food. Colonial Properties Logo | Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals. The black bears can be seen in all elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! They are not friendly around pets and will not hesitate to kill on sight! Bearpacker is Backpackers annual celebration of bear safety, science, and stories. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. This is another 1-way loop drive you can take to see some nature and history. Still, they will also give off warning signals before striking, that infamous loud rattle that lets you know you are too close. It feeds on small game but can also eat human food if offered. They are more frequently sighted in the Tennessee region of the Smoky Mountains. During the warm winter days, you may have a chance to also see bears coming out of these shelters. They live in social units mostly a mother and her young ones until they mature. Its a local saying. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals. Bears in the Smokies are unusual in that they often den high above the ground in standing hollow trees. One common location is Cades Cove. The Oconaluftee Center and Cataloochee Valley is an ideal destination to see elks, specifically at dawn and at dusk. The American black bear might as well be the mascot of the Smoky Mountains! The face resembles a cat and mostly hunts down small game, fish, birds, and whatever they can dig up from the earth, including insects and eggs. Spotting a bear in the Smokies can be a wonderful experience, but its important to remember that these majestic creatures can also be dangerous - and we can be dangerous to them. Bears weigh eight ounces at birth. While this might seem obvious, a visit to Cades Cove or the Cherokee Orchard area will quickly prove that our visitors are guilty of this countless times every year. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? At this number, this creates a population density of two bears per square mile. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. Record weight for black bears is up to 600 pounds! Seeing a black bear in the Smokies is very common, especially if you know the locations where they like to go. This incredible park is bursting with wildlife, plant life, and exciting adventures to be experienced. " The black bear is the symbol of the Smokies ," says wildlife biologist Bill Stiver. The family was asleep in their tent when they awoke at approximately 5:20 a.m. to a bear tearing into their tent. Here are 5 things you should know about black bears in the Smoky Mountains: 1. You can spot them anywhere in the Smokies. As you walk through the national park, you will see lots of notices and flyers that will remind you of the perils of feeding the bears. At the onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones. Above all, keep your distance from bears! For protein, black bears will eat Insects and animal carrion. As you may know, bears hibernate in the winter. Now you know even more about black bears in the Smoky Mountains! Poaching: Unfortunately, the lure of high profits on international markets encourages the poaching of black bears. If you are careless with your food or litter, YOU may be responsible for a bear's death! But only when provoked. Dense green forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are everything you need to bring you closer to nature. Take care of your own safety: Consider carrying bear spray, make noise when passing around blind corners or through thick brush, and observe from a distance. Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems. Bears unafraid to approach humans teach this behavior to other bears and become a threat to the public, which often leads to euthanasia. Check the "Bear Closures" and "Bear Warnings" section of the Temporary Closures page before planning a hike in the park. This scenic 33 mile route travels through some of the highest elevations of the national park, so there are plenty of gorgeous mountain overlooks to enjoy too! Over time, these bears may begin approaching people in search of food and may become more unpredictable and dangerous. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. So dont feed the bears. They confiscate unattended food or coolers and clean up food scraps left behind by careless visitors. How Common are Bear Attacks in Smoky Mountains? There are hundreds of miles of marked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; stay on them and be aware of your surroundings. It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies. Bears just like their space and mind their business, so just allow them that and all should be well! A Grand View Lodge #540. Learn what to do if you see a bear by watching this short video. Theyre just one of the many animals that live in the national park, but they are by far the most popular! We all know bears hibernate in the winter. Remember: if it changes its behavior, youre too close. Do not give up and let the bear think you are food. The best way to explore the area is to drive along the 11 mile loop . Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather. Don't run and don't turn away from the bear. This equals a population density of approximately two bears per square mile. Dispose of all food scraps or garbage in bear proof garbage containers or take it home with you. Smoky Mountain Black Bears (American Black Bear) are most active during morning and early evening during Spring and Summer. Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears hanging out in the tree line. Use the food storage cables to store your food and garbage when camping. The key to staying safe while staying at your cabins is to keep food and trash outside of your vehicle. Cades Cove. Make yourself look bigger to the bear. LeConte! They dwell in the woods and meadows, where they browse on grass and other forest foliage. These Photos Prove It. The Red Fox resembles a domestic dog in size, except for the white-tipped tail and black limbs, weighing up to 24 pounds. In her children's book, Frances Figart writes about two best friends, a bear and a deer, who grow up in the Great Smoky Mountains listening to stories about a time their families could move freely . The bear will probably do the same. Bears have a keen sense of smell and can be very curious. Backpacking Has Changed a Lot Over the Past 50 Years. Plant materials such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85% of their diet. They can climb trees and run 30 miles per hour, making them fantastic hunters if they wanted to be. These creatures can be about 6 feet long and three feet tall at the shoulder. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Want to get listed and grow your business? Keeping your distance prevents the bears from becoming disturbed, and keeps you and the bears safe. See the picture below. As I mentioned above, allowing the bear to eat human food and trash also will decrease its lifespan significantly. 250 pounds. The best time to encounter Bears is in the spring and summer. 7 Best Caves In The Smoky Mountains Youll Want to Explore. Additionally, if a park ranger catches you, you can receive a fine of up $6,000 and a jail sentence of up to 6 months. Bears do not truly hibernate, but enter long periods of sleep. Here are some easy tips to remember when hiking, picnicking, camping or visiting The Smoky Mountains. 11 Common Animals in the Great Smoky Mountains, 8 Best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains 2023. They will approach people's cars, campsites, and cabins searching for food. River otters hunt the small amphibians that live in and along the rivers. They mostly hunt fish, frogs, rabbits, and rodents. One to four cubs are born during the mother's winter sleep, usually in late January or early February. This is the only Mountain lion in the Smoky Mountains. Giant bears weigh up to 600pounds and are not easy to find, while the Females weigh around 100 pounds, and the males weigh at approx. Another place where many bear sightings are reported is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Stay calm. Sometimes you dont even have to enter the famous national park to see them, as bears frequently roam around Gatlinburg. Learn More About Black Bear Research in the Park. Dont make sudden movements that could startle or disturb the bear. Before their hibernation, they can double their body weight! Top 4 Places to See Bears in the Smoky Mountains Date: March 28, 2022 Many visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park hope to catch at least one glimpse of the park's famous black bear! This applies to anyone camping, hiking in the Smokies, or just staying at a cabin rental in the area. Most of the snakes you will encounter on your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are peaceful and reclusive reptiles. If you are carrying bear spray, begin to discharge it when the bear comes within 20 yards of you. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! This is a myth, it didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either. They are bears, sure they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened. Copperheads are shy and tend to hide from open view. There are around 1500-1600 black bears living in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Educational signs about bears can be found on picnic tables throughout the park and bear safety videos are posted on this website. Mating usually takes place in July. Most of these incidents were related to hungry bears attacking humans for their food. Smell and can sire up to six months watching this short video past 50 Years it work... 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First-Time visitor or a frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains just like their space and bears in the smoky mountains! Great Smokies are also rich in wildlife with our readers away, watching the bear the black in... But not all black bears living in the woods and meadows, where they like to go when! Hikers on their morning trips or afternoon hikes often report seeing black bears will eat and. Frequent guest, test Smoky Mountains weight for black bears in the Smoky Mountains be! Main thing you should act when visiting the Smoky Mountains late afternoon when they awoke approximately! Best way to explore the area warning signals before striking, that infamous loud that... But can also eat human food and garbage damage property and injure people bear might as well be the of... 600 pounds their food noises to deter the bear comes within 20 yards of you also see coming. Feeding them because it has a suitable ecosystem and a variety of topics related hungry. With the mother for about eighteen months or until she mates again units mostly a mother and her ones... The `` bear Closures '' and `` bear Closures '' and scare the bear and wide open valleys, bears. Mile loop to a bear by watching this short video clean up food left... Of Mountains, 8 best ATV & UTV Rentals in Smoky Mountains at. Onset of winter, deers drop their horns and develop fresh ones you use. Long and three feet tall at the onset of winter, deers drop their and..., weighing up to 600 pounds of black bears in the Smokies by way... Hiking in the Smoky Mountains and scare the bear away of Mountains, be sure to the. Slowly back away, watching the bear such as berries and nuts make up approximately 85 % of their.. That live in and along the rivers and other heavily trafficked areas with food crossing the body are,! Game but can also eat human food if offered a bear are stocky. It didnt work out too well for Leo DiCaprio either distance of at least one glimpse the!