Pets must be always kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet while in the park. This presents an intolerable level of risk in a high-use, public area.". More stories from North Carolina. Dispose of garbage properly. Please support this type of journalism with asubscription to the Citizen Times. Deal with that until you accept it and take your tail and go home. Because of this, visitors often witness heightened bear activity during this time. Keep bear spray accessible; its proven to be the easiest and most effective way to deter a bear that threatens someone. Fact: A bear stands on its hind legs to get a better view and smell of the surroundings. Maintain situational awareness. If you see a bear and it has not seen you, calmly leave the area. , like packaging food in bear-safe containers, and refraining from feeding the animals. Those are really the primary things to do.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A Richmond Teacher Recounts the Moment His Nonverbal Student Finally Spoke to Him, Looking for a New Job? Bear encounters prompt alert for two national forests in NC | Charlotte If the offending bear is captured and positively identified, officials will humanely euthanize the animal, per park and NCWRC protocol, according to a National Park Service release. Bear attacks hikers, dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway forcing rangers to The man and woman, who live locally, werehaving a picnicon a grassyhill when theywerealerted by their dog's barking that a bear was nearby, said Leesa Brandon, parkway spokesperson. Nor, upon notification by department personnel, shall any person continue to place, distribute, or allow the placement of any food, mineral, carrion, trash, or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the presence of bear. The Folk Art Center Nature Loop Trail and all trails accessed off of Bull Mountain Road. A lot of people do the right thing. You can find the update here. Our partners at the Charlotte Observer say bear encounters have been reported from mid-May to early June near the Bull Mountain trail. Black Bear That Attacked Couple On Blue Ridge Parkway Was Unrelenting By Kurt Repanshek - October 1st, 2021 A black bear that attacked a couple and their dog on the Blue Ridge Parkway was unrelenting in its efforts to get them, parkway officials said Friday. We were hiking along a creek near Banner Elk, NC last week and came upon a very freshly killed deer carcass. slamming against their Subaru with its paws and jumping on the vehicles trunk while the hikers were inside, 'Aggressive' bear encounters force trail closure off Blue Ridge Parkway, NC Wildlife biologists: Bear that attacked couple on Blue Ridge Parkway climbed onto car, Man likely killed by bear attack in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: autopsy report, Why euthanize bears that have fed on human remains? Burn all grease off grills and camp stoves. ", Follow Karen Chvez on Twitter:@KarenChavezACT. Visitors whoencounter a bear on the parkway cancall 828-298-2491 or stop at the nearest visitor center to report it. 1:00. Housing. The responsibility to prevent this from happening belongs to everybody. The dog, which was not on a leash, ran towardthe bear while barking loudly. Outdoor food is currently prohibited between the Asheville Visitor Center and the parking areas between milepost 384 and 380. The unleashed dog saw the black bear and quickly approached it barking. The individuals in this incident were issued a citation for having their dog off-leash, according to the report. The move to restrict some equipment came around the same time as a bear attack just over the state line in Tennessee. However, this attack was unusual in that the bear was uncharacteristically aggressive and continued to pursue the human subjects involved after the dog was removed and continued to attack the couple's vehicle after they were all inside of it and the threat (the couple and their dog) was effectively removed. Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost, getting too close to others, and disturbing (or being disturbed by) wildlife. In response, wildlife biologists and law enforcement rangers have enacted a closure on a half-mile section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail intheBull Mountainarea, from Milepost381.3 to 381.8, which is near the Folk Art Center. Over 80% of their diets consist of vegetation, fruit, and nuts. Fact: Although classified as carnivores, black bears are omnivores, and opportunistic feeders. Why kill an innocent animal over people's stupidity? Our law enforcement rangers have increased patrols in the area, parkway spokesperson Leesa Brandon said June 26 in response to how the National Park Service is handling the recent uptick in bear encounters. [The bear population is] just not as dense in the Piedmont as they are in the mountains and that goes back historically, Lafon said. A total of 5,000 to 6,000 call Virginia, and especially the Blue Ridge, home. In the third instance, a lone male hiker was bluff-charged by a large bear, but he was able to scare the bear off., LOCAL CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Bear destroys inside of SUV in Avery County. Park officials recommend fighting back if attacked by a black bear. Baldy, when a witness said they saw the woman attacked by a bear. "The couple was having a picnic on a grassy hill near the . Bears are attracted to residential areas by the smell of foods people commonly put out around their homes. Study: Raleigh's housing deficit nears 17,000 units. The Mountains to the Sea Trail from the intersection with the parkway visitor center Loop Trail near milepost 384 to Riceville Road Bridge at milepost 382. June 26, 2021 12:40 am EDT. If addressed promptly, problems are often quickly resolved. There are some variations if youre camping or if youre hiking, but it comes down to the same things. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. According to the release, the unidentified couple was alerted to the bear's presence by their dog, which ran towards the animal while barking. By Pat Donahue | October 11, 2021 10:02 am ET On Wednesday, September 29, a young black bear attacked a couple near the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, NC. If you see a bear, enjoy watching from a distance. "Charges have not been made at this time," she said. We IMMEDIATELY turned back and walked as fast as we could to avoid disturbing a bear coming back for a snack. Do not run. Smoky Mountain Bear Attack - Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Better bring your mask, man found deadin Great Smoky Mountains Park, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. If the bear enters the tent fight back and yell. Thats the kind of times when they get closed down.. A lot of times our developed campgrounds, developed picnic areas, sorts of things [that] are associated with recreational areas end up [with bears], Lafon said. So theyre looking for food from other locations.. ASHEVILLE, NC (WDBJ) - A couple was treated for injuries and released Wednesday evening after a bear attack in the parking area of the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville . The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has established bear guidelines that promote public safety, protect property, and conserve bear populations. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); FOREST Dont pet or try to hug the bears while camping. On September 29, a couple was having a picnic near the Folk Art Center along the Asheville stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway when their unleashed dog began barking at a nearby black bear and ran towards it. Highlander's organized group treks have all the trappings of a racebut the point isn't to finish fast. Use extra caution in places where hearing or visibility is limited, such as brushy areas, near streams, where trails round a bend and on windy days. As odd as it may sound, thats the advice from Blue Ridge Parkway officials, after a series of bear encounters. NPS Management concurred to pull NPS bear traps as well given lack of bear activity over four nights with the raccoons emptying the bear bait every night., Man killed by bear attack: Man likely killed by bear attack in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: autopsy report. Attacks from aggressive bears on the Blue Ridge Parkway have forced rangers to close a portion of the trail. We have at times had some very localized site closures of either particular camp sites or recreational areas or picnic areas that tend to be pretty short lived. 2023 Cox Media Group. While the highest concentration of bears occurs in the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains and around the Great Dismal Swamp, bears can be seen just about anywhere in Virginia. Leesa Sutton Brandon, a spokesperson for the parkway, said they were able to take the closure signs down this past Monday. ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP/WNCN) - The National Park Service says a couple having a picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina survived multiple bear attacks which it says may have been triggered by their barking dog. Noooo do not euthanise the bear. After monitoring a North Carolina picnic area for . This is also a critical feeding periodfor bearsbeforethey enterwinter hibernation. Officials hunt for bear that attacked picnicking couple - For The Win Black Bear That Attacked Couple In NC Remains At Large Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash on parkway land. The encounter. Couple attacked by bear on Blue Ridge Parkway | wfmynews2.com While the sex of the bear has not yet been determined, Brandon said it was described as young but not a yearling, weighing approximately 200 pounds. The parkway is a sanctuary for bears, since it provides their natural, forested habitat, and hunting is prohibited. Man likely killed by bear attack in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, End in sight for cleanup of Mountains-to-Sea Trail near Blue Ridge Parkway, Visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway or Great Smoky Mountains? The Mountains to Sea Trail from the intersection with the Visitor . Keep dogs on a leash. After a few failed attempts to find food around homes, bears will usually leave the area in search of their natural wild foods. On September 29, a couple was having a picnic near the Folk Art Center along the Asheville stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway when their unleashed dog began barking at a nearby black bear and ran towards it. Park staff reminds visitors that fall on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a key feeding period for bears, as they try to add calories before winter hibernation. Of course, picnic areas arent the only places people see bears. Brandon expressed that the majority of bear and human interactions in the wild dont lead to confrontations. PLEASE DON'T EUTHANIZE THE BEAR!!! Park rangers and wildlife biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are searching the areain an attempt to capture the bear, Brandon said. Bear Safety - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) Owners who do not leash their dogs face a possible fine starting at $50, Brandon told the Citizen Times June 26. In almost all cases, the bear will detect you first and leave the area. Major Herschel Walker . If you dont do those two things, then you have a great chance of not having any kind of encounter.. Often a bear in your yard is just passing through and, if it finds no food, will simply move on. Biologist: Bears may repeat behavior, Source: Bearwise.org and Blue Ridge Parkway staff. From Virginia Beach to Appalachia, sightings occur each year. A thorough investigation of the scene was conducted and forensic evidence was collected to be used for DNA analysis. Make sure children are close to you or within your sight at all times. In most cases, a telephone call will be all that is necessary to find successful solutions (usually the removal of attractants). However, this attack was unusual in that the bear was uncharacteristically aggressive and continued to pursue the human subjects involved after the dog was removed and continued to attack the couple's vehicle after they were all inside of it and the threat (the couple and their dog) was effectively removed. The recent closure of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Bull Mountain area on the parkway, near Milepost 382, is very close to where a bear attacked two people in 2021 in part by slamming against their Subaru with its paws and jumping on the vehicles trunk while the hikers were inside. If it is up a tree, leave it alone. Just like with any young animals you never want to try to get near them. According to the couple, the bear went back and forth between the car and the individual still outside five times, knocking the man down and biting at his legs and groin at one point, before both people successfully got into the car. They were alerted to the bear's presence by their dog. Not the bear's fault. (He) stated he rolled to his left while holding the bear's muzzle which is when his shoulder became dislocated," the report said. Email her at KChavez@CitizenTimes.comor follow on Twitter @KarenChavezACT. I've been attacked by loose dogs and not bears. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission was contacted by the Blue Ridge Parkway regarding a bear attack that occurred on September 29, 2021 at the Folk Art Center located on the parkway. If you see a mother bear and cubs give them some space, retreat slowly, and do not scream or yell. Habituated bears can pose public safety concerns and in some unfortunate circumstances may have to be killed. The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. More: Why euthanize bears that have fed on human remains? Another casualty: picnics. Virginia National Parks: Get Beyond the Tourist Hot Spots at One of These 5 Hidden Gems, Lifestyle Bears in the Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Published: Oct. 01, 2021, 4:07 p.m. If you must put the bear down, put the dog down as well. If they dont catch the bear within three days, they probably were not going to be able to catch it, the document states. The first incident happened on the Bull Mountain Trail, where an unleashed dog provoked a bear to attack a leashed dog, park rangers told the Observer. It is up to humans to change their own behaviors to avoid conflicts. The National Park Service estimates that more than 900,000 American Black Bears live in North America. The fall season is upon us. Bull Mountain Trail is located about 5 miles east of downtown Asheville along the parkway near the Riceville Meadows neighborhood. The recent closure of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Bull Mountain area on the parkway, near Milepost 382, is very close to where a bear attacked two people in 2021 in part by slamming against . What happens is sometimes this time of year before a lot of their natural food sources are prevalent for them the berries and seeds and nuts and things that they eat normally all of that is still coming in, Brandon said. Asheville: Bear attacks couple, dog on Blue Ridge Parkway - WYFF News 4 These were packaged and sent to Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensics Laboratory for DNA analysis. Brandon said the couple suffered lacerations and scratches in the skirmish with the bear, but thedog was not harmed. We're too quick to harm and blame our wildlife supposedly in the name of self protection. Do not allow the bear access to your food. Blue Ridge Mountains. Bears at Blue Ridge | Eureka! ASHEVILLE - The half-mile section of the Bull Mountain Trail off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville opened back up on July 3 after being closed due to "aggressive" bear encounters . If a black bear attacks you, fight back. It basically comes down to a combination of there being more people being out in the woods in bear habitat and the fact that bears are more active this time of year than they are before they come out of their dens and when they go into their dens, Lafon said. And we also typically increase signage and education in areas we know are seeing high bear activity.. The parkway is themost visited unit of theNational Park Service, with around 15.7 million visitors in 2022. Theres a larger extent of habitat there for them. Heading out the door? when they encounter a dog, on or off leash. This is also a critical feeding periodfor bearsbeforethey enterwinter hibernation. Bears are pretty savvy at finding food sources around humans. If problems are ignored, property damage can get worse, and bears may lose their distrust of humans and come to rely solely on unnatural foods. Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs. In North Carolina, the typical hibernation season for black bears begins any time between November and January, and the months that precede this time frame involve nonstop eating, or hyperphagia, as bears attempt to put on enough weight to survive the winter. Originally set to expire on Thursday, Blue Ridge Parkway officials extended the precaution to July 1. The most recent incident, as well as a severe human-bear-dog interaction nearly two years ago on the parkway, would indicate the fault lies with the humans. Bear Safety in the North Carolina Mountains - RomanticAsheville.com At times, a DWR employee may visit your property to discuss additional options. The parkway is the most visited unit of the National Park Service, with 14.1 million visitors in 2020. Originally set to expire on Thursday, Blue Ridge Parkway officials extended the precaution to July 1. Couple Hospitalized After 'Aggressive' Bear Attack During - Newsweek Black bear attacks couple, dog on Blue Ridge Parkway - USA TODAY Is it still most popular national park? Amie Knowles Attacks from "aggressive" bears on the Blue Ridge Parkway have forced rangers to close a portion of the trail. If caught, it would be euthanized, a park release said. Living with Black Bears in Virginia Brochure, BearWise: Seis Consejos Bsicos de BearWise en Casa. A Blue Ridge Warning: Bear Sightings Increase Along The Parkway Park officials recommend fighting back if attacked by a black bear. bear in blue ridge mountains Photo: Ryan McGurl / iStock via Getty. A black bear, possible aggravated by a barking dog that was off leash, inflicted minor injuries on a couple that was enjoying a picnic near the Folk Art Center along the Blue Ridge Parkway. NPS: Bear attack closes trails across the Blue Ridge Parkway Though rare, attacks on humans do occur,and can causeinjuries or death. If you see a bear out in the woods, the best thing is to just leave it alone and leave that area quietly, but not running. Dont approach the bear but make sure it knows it is violating your territory. ASHEVILLE Wildlife biologists and law enforcement rangers have closed all use of a half-mile section on Bull Mountain Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville due to an increase in dangerous bear encounters, according to a news statement from the National Park Service. If someone encounters a bear, Lafon suggested quietly leaving the area. Biologist: Bears may repeat behavior, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. An NPS employee gathered the victims long sleeve black Marmot shirt, short sleeve gray shirt and gray pants they were wearing at the time of the attack, as well as salvia, blood and hair samples picked up from their vehicle. Whenever possible, DWRs approach to managing problem bears encourages the coexistence of bears and humans. Authorities respond to reported bear attack in Mt. Baldy area Picnicking couple's unleashed dog spurs bear attack on N.C.'s Blue Ukraine claims to have killed more than 700 Russian servicemen in fighting over the past day News 360. All rights reserved. Fallis one of the busiest times on the parkway for humans as millions travel the scenic byway that passes directly through Asheville to view the fall foliage. Stop. Make noises and yell at bear to leave the house. You dont want to approach the bear or get closer to take a picture. Traps were left out for three days following the bear incident, which is normal protocol for the NC Wildlife Commission, according to NPSs report. This means that they eat both plants and animals. If the bear is capturedandpositively identified, Brandon said, officialswill "humanelyeuthanize," the bear asperparkand state wildlife commissionprotocol, a decision that is "never made lightly.". The Mountains to Sea Trail from the intersection with the Visitor Center Loop Trail near parkway milepost 384 to Riceville Rd. Keep your tent and sleeping bag free of all food smells. Learning about bear behavior can be beneficial to people who travel in bear country. Visitors should be cautious and follow BearWiseprotocolswhile in bear country,including properly following food storage regulations, keeping pets leashedand remaining at a safe viewing distance from bears. 10 Thrilling Adventure Parks in Virginia to Visit This Summer, Lifestyle The proximity of campers and their food sources sometimes draw humans and bears together. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig. Sometimes running can actually evoke a predator response and we dont want to do that, Lafon said. Picnicking is prohibited between the AshevilleVisitor Center and adjacent parking areas near Milepost 384 (near the U.S. 74A entrance) to the Haw Creek Overlooknear Milepost380. Leave your dog at home or have it on a leash at all times. Tuesday, July 4, 2023 1:10AM . This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. Visitors should be cautious and follow BearWiseprotocolswhile in bear country,including properly following food storage regulations, keeping pets leashedand remaining at a safe viewing distance from bears. Euthanize the bear? You can reach her at [emailprotected]. Bear attacks couple, dog on Blue Ridge Parkway, officials say. On the parkway, failing to restrain pets on a 6-foot or shorter leash is prohibited under the Code of Federal Regulations. If the bear is capturedandpositively identified, Brandon said, officialswill "humanelyeuthanize," the bear asperparkand state wildlife commissionprotocol, a decision that is "never made lightly.". All food and food-related items should be stored at campsites in a hard-sided bear-resistant canister, or in the trunk of a vehicle, except when preparing and consuming food. Another encounter involved a large bear charging a lone male hiker, who successfully scared off the bear. Also, going with a group oftentimes keeps bears at bay, as does making loud noises. Blue Ridge Parkway closes trails after black bear attack near - MSN Black bear attacks couple in North Carolina - NBC News Aggressive bear jumping on car, unleashed dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway It mostly goes back to the fact that thats where the bear populations have been the densest for the longest.. Do not run or make any sudden movements. That means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and moreBEARS?! Living with Black Bears in Virginia | Virginia DWR The attack occurred on Wednesday in the parking lot of the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkwaya spectacular 469 mile route through the Appalachian Mountains that is the longest linear . Store toiletries with your food; the smell of toiletries may attract bears. Visitors can find bear safety tips on the parkways Bear Safety web page and at BearWise.org. Many people enjoy the opportunity to see bears in the wild. No! Then the bear climbed onto the car and was biting the windshield wipers. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. The bear attacks were reported near the popular mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina. Black bear attacks couple on Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville The hurt dog was taken to the vet, where it . Surely this rule (where no actual attack took place it seems, can be relaxed). Officials at the campground near milepost 408 reported that a young bear entered occupied campsites, made close contact with humans and took food from the sites. it was threatened by an off the leash dog. If the offending bear is captured and positively identified, officials will humanely euthanize the animal, per park and NCWRC protocol, according to a National Park Service, In North Carolina, the typical hibernation season for black bears, any time between November and January, and the months that precede this time frame involve nonstop eating, or. The bear is not a problem bear. New THC Laws to Take Effect in Virginia July 1. More: 'Aggressive' bear encounters force trail closure off Blue Ridge Parkway. There are no definite rules about what to do if you meet a bear. Let them have their life. Stay calm. A bear attacked a couple in the parking lot of an Asheville area art center this week, prompting warnings and safety precautions . Lafon noted that their greatest concentrations tend to be in either mountainous regions or the Great Dismal Swamp. The Mountains to Sea Trail from the intersection with the Visitor Center Loop Trail near parkway Milepost 384 to Riceville RoadBridge at Milepost382. If camping in national forest or parks, check with the ranger's office for any bear advisories. A number of park rangers and wildlife biologists are currently working with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to capture the bear. McKenna Leavens is the education reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Bears rarely attack people unless they feel cornered or provoked. Please help support local, daily journalism with asubscriptionto the Citizen Times. Never close a bear into a room. Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Karen Chvez Asheville Citizen Times 0:00 1:36 ASHEVILLE, N.C. A couple was treated for injuries at Mission Hospital after they were attacked by a black bear Sept. 29 on the Blue Ridge. (He) stated that the bear was furiously trying to bite him so he wrapped his arm around its neck. The remainder includes mostly insects and larva, carrion, fish, and occasionally small mammals. Maintain situational awareness. Dont allow the bear to feel comfortable in your yard.