Perhaps the most iconic animal of the Smoky Mountains, black bears are commonly sighted in the park.
These graceful animals are commonly seen in the meadows and along forest edges.
Reintroduced to the Smoky Mountains in 2001, elk are often spotted in the Cataloochee Valley and Oconaluftee areas.
These large birds are commonly seen foraging in open areas and along roadways.
Red foxes can be seen throughout the park, often in the early morning or late evening.
They are solitary and nocturnal predators, feeding on small mammals, birds, and occasionally deer fawns.
The Smoky Mountains are often referred to as the "Salamander Capital of the World" due to the high diversity of salamander species found here.