A black bear attacked a couple along the Blue Ridge Parkway./Sam Hobbs via NPS
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information from park staff. You can find the update here.
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.
Parkway officials, who instituted several closures along the ridgeline park in a bid to prevent additional attacks, were trying to track the black bear. If caught, it would be euthanized, a park release said.
The attack happened Wednesday evening. According to the release, the unidentified couple was alerted to the bear's presence by their dog, which ran towards the animal while barking.
"Likely aggravated by the dog, the bear acted defensively toward the dog and the couple," the release said. "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.
Area closures that were instituted following the incident included:
- 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.
- The Folk Art Center Nature Loop Trail and all trails accessed off of Bull Mountain Road.
- Picnicking was also prohibited between the Asheville Visitor Center and adjacent parking areas near parkway milepost 384 to the Haw Creek Overlook near milepost 380.
Park staff was working with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff to capture the bear, and was conducting foot patrols in the immediate area of the attack.
"If the offending bear is captured and positively identified, officials will humanly euthanize the animal per park and NCWRC protocol," the release said.
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. Visitors need to practice proper food storage, keeping pets leashed, and viewing wildlife from a distance, the park release said.
Comments
Yes, the bear was defending itself. The people were breaking the law.
When are the people going to be held accountabile for their stupidity. The bear did nothing wrong. Jail the stupid people and give the dog to someone who will properly take care of it.
Not the bears fault. At all. That is his home. Why should he be killed bcs of people not following the rules. The people. Should actally be charged with animal cruelty.
The couple should be banned from all national parks. They clearly broke the rules.
If no further attacks by the bear , I hope it will be allowed to live . Just post more warnings about all bears behavior this time of year. Have post especially at the entrance of the park !
Shoot the dog! ?He started it, let the bears eat. Eat away from their access.
Are you kidding me? Euthanize the bear? Don't you even try it. And how do you know it is the same bear? And why are you euthanizing it? Its instinct was to do what it did. People make me sick. The people that want to euthanize the bear should all be fired and go get a life.
Do NOT eithanize the bear for acting on instinct when approached by a potential threat! If man goes into a bear's habitat, man's law should not rule. SAVE THE BEAR!