Scientists see wildlife behavior changing in the Smokies

Temperatures are changing in the Smokies, and the pattern is so drastic experts said it's affecting the way wildlife behave.

Deep in the woods researchers are hoping to get an undisturbed look at nature.

A research tower shows everything from soil moisture, humidity from the ground through the tree canopy, rainfall, temperatures and much more.

"It's got sensors there that are on camera so they can measure how much snow is on the ground,"

So far, decades of research shows some species in the park have migrated to higher elevations.

"That by itself does not say 'ah climate change,' but it does lead us to believe there could be a response to changing climate,"

"As the warmer air moves higher up the mountain, the very top which stays in the clouds, hasn't changed as much."

"It will affect how people get to use the park, things they want to see."

Decades of data and years of undisturbed forest leave these researchers many questions about the future.

He said for you,

"It will be a long term event. The question is once it gets started is there anyway to slow it down, is there a way to stop it, or reverse it. And that we don't have an answer too."

Researchers say this could open the door for new species to come into the park.

So far, the temperature observations indicate that there's a 4 degree increase in temperature in Great Smoky Mountains just in the month of April.