Keep dogs on a leash. The Folk Art Center Nature Loop Trail and all trails accessed off of Bull Mountain Road. If caught, it would be euthanized, a park release said. Sometimes running can actually evoke a predator response and we dont want to do that, Lafon said. Biologist: Bears may repeat behavior, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. As of now, a half-mile of the trail is closed from mile marker 381 close to the parkways Asheville Visitor Center. he was "attacked" first by unrestrained dog. Running could prompt the bear to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear. In one instance, an unleashed dog provoked a bear to attack a leashed dog, and the resulting injuries from the encounter led to the dog being euthanized by a vet. Thats the best thing to do., Amie Knowles reports for Dogwood. The. Bear Attacks Couple Along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway So far this year, NPS staff have received approximately 25 reports of bear-human interactions on the parkway, which is about average for this time of year, according to Brandon. Attacks from "aggressive" bears on the Blue Ridge Parkway have forced rangers to close a portion of the trail. Study: Raleigh's housing deficit nears 17,000 units. JOHN D. SIMMONS Charlotte Observer file photo. This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks. This presents an intolerable level of risk in a high-use, public area. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. The bear attack occurred while the couple was having a picnic on a grassy hill on the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Folk Art Center in Asheville last Wednesday, the National Park Service reports. Bear attacks hikers, dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway forcing rangers to Bear attacks hikers, dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway forcing rangers to close portion of trail; Bear attacks hikers, dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway forcing rangers to close portion of trail . .So..the couple should be euthanized? Karen Chvez is Content Coach/Investigations Editorfor the Asheville Citizen Times, part of theUSA TODAY Network. At about 5:17 p.m., no victim was found and the 911 caller was at the . 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. Couple and their dog attacked by bear on Blue Ridge Parkway - CNN The hurt dog was taken to the vet, where it was later put down because of its injuries. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Bear Attacks Picnickers on Blue Ridge Parkway - Backpacker Be especially cautious if you see a female with cubs. It doesnt work like bug repellent, so never spray ones tent, campsite or belongings. 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. Visitors can find bear safety tips on the parkways Bear Safety web page and at BearWise.org. Bull Mountain Trail is located about 5 miles east of downtown Asheville along the parkway near the Riceville Meadows neighborhood. Please help support local, daily journalism with asubscriptionto the Citizen Times. 110. Unprovoked bear attacks are very rare, and have never been documented in Virginia. If addressed promptly, problems are often quickly resolved. You can reach her at [emailprotected]. If you encounter a bear while on the parkway, call 828-298-2491 or stop at the nearest Visitor Center to report the encounter. A Freedom of Information Act request recently returned to he Citizen Times provides details into the incident. More: Why euthanize bears that have fed on human remains? The attack happened Wednesday evening. However, natural food sources are still pretty limited. In response to hundreds of public comments posted on social media questioning why the bear would be killed, the parkway's public affairs office included the following on Facebook: "It is not at all uncommon for a bear to bluff charge, pop their jaws, huff, stomp their feet etc. Surely this rule (where no actual attack took place it seems, can be relaxed). Tuesday, July 4, 2023 1:10AM . 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. ", Follow Karen Chvez on Twitter:@KarenChavezACT. Better bring your mask, man found deadin Great Smoky Mountains Park, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. . 1:49 A couple was treated for injuries at Mission Hospital after they were attacked by a black bear Sept. 29 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, forcing closure of trails near the popular. (WATCH BELOW: NC man fights off bear to protect dog). "Likely aggravated by the dog, the bear acted defensively toward the dog and the couple," the release said. Stop. 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. Typically, the park responds to about 60 to 70 bear incidents a year. But there are simple steps, hikers and campers can take to ensure theyre safe on the trails. As they were slowly driving away, the bear eventually got off the roof of the car. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. I've been attacked by loose dogs and not bears. The couple should be banned fron all national parks for life. Blue Ridge Parkway FOIA details severe human-bear-dog encounter in 2021 at Folk Art Center, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. 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. You can help your community and the bear population by keeping your property clear of food attractants and communicating with your neighbors to resolve community bear concerns. Park officials recommend fighting back if attacked by a black bear. According to data from recreational sightings, hunter harvest, road kills, and Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) field staff, bears occur in at least 92 of Virginia . Noooo do not euthanise the bear. Axios - Zachery Eanes . Become an Outside+ member today and get access to everything we publish, plus free subscriptions, a Gaia GPS membership, and much more. Authorities respond to reported bear attack in Mt. Baldy area This may reassure the bear that you mean it no harm. Asheville: Bear attacks couple, dog on Blue Ridge Parkway - WYFF News 4 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. "Over the next several minutes, there were repeated attacks by the bear while the couple retreated with their dog to the safety of their vehicle. The couple, whose injuries were not detailed, then drove to an area hospital where they were treated and released. Looking up, one of the two noticed an approximately 200-pound bear walking up to them from a tree, toward which their dog started running. The American Black Bear lives all over Virginia. We should work around it. 10 Independent Virginia Pizzerias to Sample, Lifestyle Fact: Bears see in color and have good vision similar to humans. 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 . A black bear attacked a couple off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina this week in what officials described as an aggressive attack. Parkway officials, who instituted several closures along the ridgeline park in a bid to prevent additional attacks, were trying to track the black bear. 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. Bears are pretty savvy at finding food sources around humans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get exclusive Virginia stories & news right in your inbox. 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. Aman found deadin Great Smoky Mountains Park in 2020 was most likely killed by a black bear who was seen scavenging his remains, according to an autopsy report obtained Aug. 18 by the Citizen Times. Owners who do not leash their dogs face a possible fine of $50, Brandon said. This is not an aggressive posture, just a way to determine who or what gained its interest. Theres been some issues of bears maybe even getting into vehicles or close incidences with people. For morebear safety tips,visit the parkways bear safety web pageand BearWise.org. National Park Service says a couple was having a picnic on a . Picnicking couple's unleashed dog spurs bear attack on N.C.'s Blue Mandatory food storage regulations are in effect in all park campgrounds, picnic areas and backcountry campsites. Over a two-to-three-week period from mid-May through early June, hikers reported "aggressive" bear activity on the trail, said Leesa Sutton Brandon, parkway spokesperson. The Observer reports the three bear sightings near the Asheville area arent the only incidents on the more than 400-mile parkway. The proximity of campers and their food sources sometimes draw humans and bears together. If you surprise a bear speak softly. Many people enjoy the opportunity to see bears in the wild. Visitors need to practice proper food storage, keeping pets leashed, and viewing wildlife from a distance, the park release said. And above all, hide your food. Major Herschel Walker . Rangers warn park visitors of bear . Visitors to bear country are encouraged to take safety. June 26, 2021 12:40 am EDT. Fact: Bears use body language and vocalizations to show their intentions. , like packaging food in bear-safe containers, and refraining from feeding the animals. The National Park Service estimates that more than 900,000 American Black Bears live in North America. 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. Get inspired with adventure films, event replays, series, and more. Temporary closures to a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail, Folk Art Center, and Nature Loop Trail have been issued in response to the incident. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has established bear guidelines that promote public safety, protect property, and conserve bear populations. It is is themost visited unit of theNational Park Service, with some 15.7 million visitors in 2022. Axios. Aggressive bear jumping on car, unleashed dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway Bear attacks hikers, dogs on Blue Ridge Parkway forcing rangers to Not the bear's fault. Virginia National Parks: Get Beyond the Tourist Hot Spots at One of These 5 Hidden Gems, Lifestyle Dont allow the bear to feel comfortable in your yard. PLEASE DON'T EUTHANIZE THE BEAR!!! ASHEVILLE, N.C. A couple is recovering after a bear attack Wednesday near the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. Fact: A bear stands on its hind legs to get a better view and smell of the surroundings. Many of those dogs were injured or killed; the people trying to protect their dogs were often injured as well.. Email her atmleavens@citizentimes.com or follow her on Twitter @LeavensMcKenna. The parkway is the most visited unit of the National Park Service, with 14.1 million visitors in 2020. Couple should assume responsibility for having an unleashed dog! 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. Theyve just been in the mountains longer. A lot of people do the right thing. Store the clothes you wore while cooking or eating with your food away from where you are sleeping. If you do meet a bear here are some suggestions: If you hear a bear or other animal outside your tent make sure it is aware that there is a human inside by using a firm monotone voice to scare it away. In case a bear gets too close for comfort, some hikers carry pepper spray. The other individual was able to get back to the vehicle, but not without getting scratched by the bear. Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Aggressive bears: 'Aggressive' bear encounters force trail closure off Blue Ridge Parkway. Officials closed the site until further notice. Leesa Sutton Brandon, a spokesperson for the parkway, said they were able to take the closure signs down this past Monday. The fall season is upon us. Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Over 80% of their diets consist of vegetation, fruit, and nuts. Other sightings have been reported at the Peaks of Otter Campground near Bedford, Virginia. Just like with any young animals you never want to try to get near them. This video cannot be displayed in your browser. Bear, provoked by dog, attacks couple in Blue Ridge Parkway - WDBJ Brandon said the people suffered lacerations and scratches in the skirmish with the bear, but thedog was not harmed. Fact: Removing a bear and not the attractant will only create a newly available habitat niche so another bear can move right back in, resulting in the same issues creating a vicious cycle of killing. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. The couple drove to the Emergency Room at Mission Hospital where they were both given rabies shots and the man had surgery on his dislocated soldier. These people were not following protocol, and allowed their dog off leash, as well as having a picnic in an area where bears are feeding as they prepare for hibernation. Over the next several minutes, there were repeated attacks by the bear while the couple retreated with their dog to the safety of their vehicle," according to a statement by the Park Service. Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! The Mountains to Sea Trail from the intersection with the Visitor Center Loop Trail near parkway Milepost 384 to Riceville RoadBridge at Milepost382. Biologist: Bears may repeat behavior, Source: Bearwise.org and Blue Ridge Parkway staff. (He) stated he grabbed the bear by its muzzle to prevent continual biting, fearing it would bite his neck. 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. 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. Educate the public FIRST. As odd as it may sound, thats the advice from Blue Ridge Parkway officials, after a series of bear encounters. Since the trail reopened; there hasn't been any reported bear encounters, according to Brandon. He'd react to any animal having a go at him.
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