Illustrations by lisa horstman
Leave bats be.
If you see a bat on the ground or in a historic building, please do not touch it. You can get rabies just from skin to skin contact with a bat.
Did you kill this elk? People who get too close to bear, elk, deer, and other wildlife cause animals to lose their natural fear of humans. When animals lose that fear, they will eventually injure someone and may be relocated or euthanized by park staff. Please enjoy wild animals at a distance. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens.
Please don’t bring dogs on park trails.* Even the mere scent of a dog on a trail can frighten park wildlife and cause them to change behaviors. Dogs can also transmit diseases to wild animals, and vice versa.
*Dogs on leash are only allowed on Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails.
smokies guide, Spring 2014 v 15