Sorry, this program is FULL. Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

From bears and bats to skunks and cottontails, the Smokies are home to a plethora of furry friends. In this course, you’ll explore the diversity of mammal species in the southern Appalachian mountains, from charismatic megafauna to smaller species that are often overlooked. 

Over the course of the weekend, you’ll become familiar with a variety of issues that mammals face in the eastern United States, as well as the management practices used within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Emphasis will be given to the general natural history of each species, including distribution, associations, reproduction, status, conservation, and research methods.

Don’t expect to actually see many mammals, since most are nocturnal and all are adept in avoiding humans. Do expect to gain new skills in observing the landscape and figuring out how animals behave by tracking and reading their signs – and to have a lot of fun along the way!

Cost: $449
Registration includes instruction, food, and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

This is one of eight core courses in the Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP).

Already Registered? Check out the welcome letter for required readings, a tentative itinerary, and other essential details for your stay. Please review our latest COVID-19 precautions prior to your visit.

Cover photo by Glen Kindness.