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
Please allow the bear to live. It sounds like the bear was in defense mode because of the unleashed dog.
Imagine that somebody else causing problems and somebody else has to take the blame for it pretty typical these days maybe the couples should be fined $20,000
Please do not euthanize the poor bear. The idiots who had their dog off leash should be penalized.
Bear must go. It has lost it's fear of humans. Agreed, the couple brought it on themselves. They should pay a hefty fine.
How unresponsible of pet owners to not keep their dogs on a leash. That was not a dog park. Tired of stupid people . Not right to euthanize the Bear. We are in their territory and respect must be for the wildlife. Fine people and euthanize that dog!!!
Exactly ~ well-said Vicky!
The bear was defeding himself. Please do not euthanize it. The couple made the mistakes and broke the park rules. Why would you kill an animal for that reason?
It's not the bears fault. It is the dog owners. I hope they are going to be fined for disregarding the rules. Some people don't think rules apply to them. The bear should not be punished for defending itself.