The Distinctive Haze of the Smoky Mountains Does not Signify a Fire in Gatlinburg.
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Instead, this Enduring Mist Creates an Astoundingly Beautiful Haven for Gatlinburg’s Wildlife
Much of the wildlife in Gatlinburg lives above our heads. The plentiful birds bring many tourists to our area. Bird watching is a timeless pastime that people of all ages enjoy – as both solo enthusiasts and those who pass it down to youngsters in their family.
The ecology of the Smoky Mountains supports a variety of different mammals and reptiles, and birds. Only a few animals in the Smoky Mountains pose any threat to people but staying safe when outdoors should remain a priority, especially when youngsters engage in outdoor activities. Animals are not the only source of possible problems.
When spending time outside, especially in wooded areas, please take care regarding
- Seasonal elements like intense winter cold or insects in summer (fire ants are becoming more common),
- Snakes hidden from view inside logs or windblown piles of leaves,
- Poisonous berries and mushrooms (just because you see wildlife eating something does not mean it is safe for people to eat), and
- Mishaps caused by uneven terrain or exposed tree roots, among other hazards.
Visiting an area that others have made safer through marked trails, smoothed-over terrain, and other amenities can also make learning about animals more enjoyable. No matter your age or amount of knowledge, interacting with animals can decrease stress. Instead of enclosing the animals inside pens or cages, marking specific areas protects wild animals in their natural environment.
Two Distinct Places Near Gatlinburg Provide the Public with Safe Contact with Wildlife
Although many families in Tennessee use deer and other animals to supplement their pantries, up-close interaction does not happen in the same way as it does with a family pet. Without our wild critters, Tennessee would not feel like home.
Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak
Almost 200 different kinds of birds make this area home for at least part of the year. Located under migratory paths of several species, many rest here during seasonal flights. This State Park offers much more than what its name implies, however. Visitors can enjoy nature hikes, boating and fishing, and viewing other wildlife.
Across the Park’s 416 acres lay different types of settings that support birds and other living creatures:
- Flat areas once used for farming, complete with old barns that attract barn owls and sparrows,
- The French Broad River, a haven for waterfowl, including herons,
- Wildflower meadows, perfect for small birds and butterflies, and
- Forested areas that harbor many birds, including woodpeckers, particularly along the Hickory Ridge Trail.
The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo and Horseback Riding Stables in Sevierville
If your family wants more than bird watching, getting some hands-on, up-close interactions with gentle creatures like camels, horses, deer, and elk, larger birds like the emu, or even a kangaroo, a petting zoo is perfect.
This petting zoo keeps the animals in larger enclosures and stables, complete with ongoing regular veterinary care and weight limits on the animal rides. Caring for animals helps build empathy for others and is an excellent way to help teach children. Adults can find it therapeutic in that it dramatically relieves stress.
Over the winter, pregnant deer and elk begin showing, with males growing their antlers, complete with light fur on their living crowns. These animals give birth starting in late May, as well as in June and July. There are plenty of other animals you can see, touch, feed, and photograph.
- Goats,
- Zebras, zonkies, and donkeys,
- Pot-bellied pigs from Vietnam,
- Miniature horses and ponies, and
- Cows, including the super-long-horned Watusi.
Because some of the animals included fall under the ‘prey animal’ classification. The petting zoo has an exemption from the ADA and does not permit service animals to enter the animal enclosures. A large zoo-keeping staff takes care of the animals living here, and their health and well-being are a priority. You can call (865) 428-3337 for more information about the stables, riding area, and petting zoo.
You can Help Take Care of Our Tennessee Wildlife near Your Gatlinburg Residence.
You can help wildlife around your Gatlinburg neighborhood by putting out birdseed, picking up litter, and not pouring chemicals (oils, antifreeze, gasoline, etc.) onto the ground, which can lead to contamination of the environment.
Scalable Services Ensure Minimal Costs, Efficiency, and Completeness for Our Customers in Gatlinburg
A Gatlinburg home can experience fire damage in many ways. Homeowners should address all damage, including minor destruction, to protect their investment and the health of their family members. This is so important and why SERVPRO technicians train to handle all stages, types, and degrees of fire damage.
Cleaning smoke deposits that coat your walls and ceilings after a neighbor’s home burns and leaves your house smoky-smelling prevents the odor-causing particles from creating permanent damage and affecting other areas of your residence. At the other end of the scale, SERVPRO can perform complete or partial demolition work and electrical systems installation, plumbing, painting, and installation of different flooring options.
SERVPRO Uses a Super-Fine Mist to Eliminate Odors from Fire Damage
While the mist covering our mountainside comes from evaporated water, smoke carries microscopic particles as the heat from burning materials pushes it throughout a Gatlinburg home’s structure, significantly increasing fire damage. These tiny particles come from partially combusted things and can remain in areas unaffected by any demolition work. These substances can cause problems like
- Corrosion and etching of hard surfaces, particularly smooth or glossy ones,
- Staining of absorbent furnishings, ranging from upholstery to hardwood flooring,
- Creating static-charged web-like smoke tags in upper corners, and
- Ongoing odors, which can aggravate or cause undesired health effects.
SERVPRO of Sevier, Jefferson & Cocke Counties helps protect local families by eliminating the toxins and other harmful substances created during a fire. Faster To Any Size Disaster, we know what it takes to ensure your home becomes livable and healthy. Our emergency line, (865) 429-8885, is always available, 24/7, 365 days a year.