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
It's not right to put the bear down for defending his life I'm a dog owner myself I take him with me all the time in the woods the difference between me and that couple he's on a leash at all times next too me that Bear would have went it own way if left alone and not provoked this is the humans fault NOT THE BEARS
Exactly. So tired of wildlife paying the price for human entitlement.
The American black bear is not territorial. It's not protecting any home per se. This one may have been food conditioned and this showing unusual behavior for an American black bear.
Doesn't work. Especially not in a place like North Caroline where they'll just find their way back or be "someone else's problem". There are really no remote places. In fact this attack was within the city limits of Asheville near the parking lot of a museum.
These people should be banned from ever going there again. They didn't abide by the rules. The dog should not have been running loose of the leash. How are they going to know it's the right bear? I think since the bear got away. It should be left along. The bear was probably afraid of the barking dog!!!
Please leave the bear alone!
I hate it also. But it is park policy. No exceptions.
Why punish the bear for trying to protect itself, the dog provoked it, not the other way. Really hope they don't find that bear