Virtual Synchronous Firefly Event

Can’t make it to the big Smoky Mountain firefly event? No problem go virtually!

Virtual Synchronous firefly event to be held Monday, June 1, 2020. Every year in late May or early June, thousands of visitors gather near the popular Elkmont Campground to observe the naturally occurring phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species that flashes synchronously. Since 2006, access to the Elkmont area has been limited to shuttle service beginning awarded via lottery beginning at Sugarlands Visitor Center during the eight days of predicted peak activity in order to reduce traffic congestion and provide a safe viewing experience for visitors that minimizes disturbance to these unique fireflies during the critical two-week mating period.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Opens

Great Smoky Mountains National Park opens with much anticipation.

The Covid-19 virus pandemic forced the closure of Great Smoky Mountains nearly two months ago and the public is itching to return to their favorite places in the park. The opening will be done in phases over the coming weeks beginning May 9, 2020.

“We are excited to return to our favorite national park,” said Reba Miller. ” Our family loves the Smoky Mountains and our plan is to picnic in Cades Cove!“

The following roads and facilities will open May 9, 2020. The remaining closed facilities are scheduled to announce their opening dates in the coming weeks.

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Smoky Mountain Synchronous Firefly Event Cancelled

Smoky Mountain firefly event canceled.

Smoky Mountain firefly event canceled.

Smoky Mountain Synchronous Firefly Event Cancelled. National Park officials announced the cancellation of the popular synchronous firefly event due to the continuing threat from the novel coronavirus (COVID -19). The cancellation is part of a continuing push to support federal, state and local efforts to contain the spread of the virus by following the most recent guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control(CDC).

“The synchronous firefly viewing area at Elkmont simply isn’t spacious enough to safely allow hundreds of people to gather under the current health guidance,” said Superintendent Cash. “While disappointing, the safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors continues to be our number one priority.”

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Smoky Mountain Eastern Spotted Skunk

Eastern spotted skunks and their stinky dance are quite a show. Photo credit - National Wildlife Federation

Eastern spotted skunks and their stinky dance are quite a show. Photo credit – National Wildlife Federation

Smoky Mountain Eastern Spotted Skunks give fair warning and provide some interesting acrobatics just before sending out a cloud of noxious spray. When frightened, or angered, the Eastern Spotted Skunk engages in unique behaviors that serves as either a bluff or a warning  just prior to discharging a very unwelcome aromatic spritz. This species, the smaller of the two skunks that make their home in the park, will stomp its front feet in rapid succession on the ground. Perhaps, even more unusual, the skunk may also perform a handstand on its front feet and walk while holding its tail in the air just before aiming and spraying. So, if you encounter either of these behaviors, you have had been forewarned!

Watch out for the spotted skunk when you visit the Smokies! Photo credit - KWCH

Watch out for the spotted skunk when you visit the Smokies! Photo credit – KWCH

Eastern Spotted Skunks are nocturnal and active year-round. Excellent climbers, these skunks are more agile and alert than their striped counterparts, and feed primarily on small mammals, fruits, insects, birds, lizards, snakes, and carrion. The breed is easily distinguished from its Pepe LePew-looking cousin. Weighing in at under three pounds, it has black silky fur, a white triangular spot on the forehead, a white spot under each ear, and four to six undulating white stripes along the neck, back, and sides. White patches are also present on the rump, and a bushy 6-8-inch tail sports a broad white tip. Hunters often trap the species for its’ unique fur. The Eastern Spotted Skunk’s range includes Northeastern Mexico through the Great Plains to the Canadian border, and the Southeastern United States north to Pennsylvania.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Initiates Corona Virus Health Guidelines

Smoky Mountain campgrounds and facilities close due to COVID - 19..

Smoky Mountain campgrounds and facilities close due to COVID – 19.

Great Smoky Mountains Initiates Corona Virus Health Guidelines. Beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 all national park campgrounds, picnic areas, pavilions and restrooms will be closed to the public. The closure of the facilities will continue until Thursday, April 30, 2020. At this time there is no definitive position on if backcountry campsites will close also. This is a  continuing effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As conditions change in America and the Smoky Mountain region, the park will continue to implement operational changes that help ensure the health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, partners, and local communities.

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