Two black bear cubs were disturbed by people seeking photos outside an apartment complex in Asheville, North Carolina, leading to one cub being left traumatized and injured after being pulled out of a tree. Video footage showed a group of people attempting to pose with the struggling cubs, causing one to escape and run away while being chased. Staff from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission were called to the scene after one of the cubs bit a person. A cub was later found alone and frightened in a retention pond, showing signs of possible injury.
The cub found in the retention pond was identified as being wet, shivering, and favoring one of its front paws. Described as being obviously traumatized by the experience, it was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it is currently located. The cub will stay at the facility until it is deemed old enough to be released back into the wild. The other cub was not found, but the wildlife specialist believes it may have rejoined its mother, as it is common for bear mothers to leave their cubs in safe places while they forage for food.
The witness who captured the video expressed concern for the bears and attempted to intervene by asking the group of people to stop bothering them. However, her requests were ignored, leading to the bears being put in distressing situations. Despite their actions, those who were taking photos with the cubs will not face charges according to a state wildlife official. The event is considered an isolated incident, but the importance of leaving bear cubs alone was emphasized by wildlife officers and biologists who spoke to the individuals involved.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reminded the public of the dangers of approaching bears of any age and attempting to interact with them for photos. They highlighted the risk not only to the safety of the bears but also to the individuals involved, particularly if the mother bear is nearby and feels the need to defend her cubs. It was emphasized that interfering with wildlife can have negative consequences for both humans and animals, as seen in this incident where the well-being of the cubs was compromised due to human interference.
The incident involving the bear cubs serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance from wild animals. It is crucial to understand that approaching bears, especially cubs, can have serious repercussions and can result in unnecessary harm to the animals. Wildlife experts and officials stress the importance of allowing bears to remain undisturbed in their natural habitats to ensure their well-being and survival. By raising awareness about the potential dangers of interacting with wildlife, efforts can be made to protect both humans and animals in these situations.
