A sow black bear with cubs killed one of two dogs that a hiker had with them on the Snead Farm Fire Road in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, prompting park officials to close the road and the associated Loop Trail for the immediate future.
A park release Thursday said the incident happened Wednesday not far from the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.
"The hiker was accompanied by two dogs on retractable leashes. Confronted by the bear, the hiker fled the area, at which point the bear attacked the trailing dog who later died of its injuries," the release said.
Park regulations require that dogs be leashed at all times on a leash that is 6' or less. When confronted by a bear, walkers and hikers should stand their ground, wave their arms and make a lot of noise. Running from a bear can trigger their prey response.
Comments
My husband and I were also hiking in the Park in mid-July this year and encountered a bear that did not exhibit any fear of our presence. We were on the Appalachian Trail, not too far from the Lodge. The bear eventually left in response to our banging our hiking poles together and making loud calls. However, it stood standing and looking at us for about 10 mins first and didn't seem at all afraid of us. We had our small dog with us, as well. The dog was, fortunately, oblivious to the bear. I don't know what would have happened had the dog started to bark.