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.
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Comments
The couple should not be euthanized, but they should be cited. The bear was provoked because of their disregard for the rules. If somebody had walked up to their dog and antagonized it while it was on a leash and had been bitten as a result, it would not be the dog's fault either. If this account is accurate, the bear was responding appropriately.
If the bear is to be euthanized according to park protocol, then the couple should be cited according to park protocol. That simple.
Fine them! if you are on the one of the islands on the coast and you get involved with one of the horses you get fined. Leave The bear alone.
Of course people don't want the bear killed over bratty tourists unwilling to follow protocol that is obvious to any hiker. I've been a hiker and have been primitive camping for decades and have never had an issue because I leash my dogs and seal food. There is no "humane" way to kill a healthy animal of that size. It's incredibly unnecessary and cruel. The fault was the tourists. The bear is not a dangerous man eater. I'm not sure why you're so angry about people feeling upset about the fact that an innocent creature is being hunted down over the stupid actions of humans.
As far as living in nature, these folks weren't living there. They were tourists probably city folk who think they can do what they want without consequence.
Do mitigating factors not matter to you? Yes, black bears are generally very timid. I see them from time to time in our area and they have never bothered me. But I've never let my dogs attack them. We have the right to self defense whether an animal or human attacks us but the bear should have that same right. He was provoked by an aggressive, unleashed dog and when something abnormal like this occurs don't expect "normal bear behavior."
So very sad for the bear! People are irresponsible and can't follow rules but the bear gets put down if found. That's not humane.
seems to me if you don't want to be in a situation don't put youself in a situation kind of like if you are sitting in your dinning room eating and someone breaks into your home then prtect what is yours same witha bear he felt a threat and acted on it.Yes it was bad but leashes are for safety not punishment,people are all over this country being photographed trying to pet or feed a bear people wake up this aint Jelly stone and that aint Yogi and Boo boo
Are the humans going to get fined or punished in anyway for having their dog unleashed? I'm pretty sure in the GSMNP that up to $5000 fine! Poor bear doesn't deserve to die.