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Stretch Of Blue Ridge Parkway Closed To Protect Bears From Visitors

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Published Date

October 30, 2023

An eight-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Park in North Carolina was indefinitely closed to traffic Monday due to repeated efforts by visitors to feed and even hold a young black bear at the Lane Pinnacle Overlook.

The closure runs from milepost 367.6 near the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area to milepost 375.6 at Ox Creek Road. Park visitors can access Craggy Gardens recreational area via NC80 from the north; however, until the road reopens the visitor center at milepost 364.5 will remain closed.  

“We are closing this section of the road temporarily for the safety of both the bear and park visitors,” said Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “When people intentionally attract bears with trash and food it can lead to very dangerous situations. In this instance we want to give the bear a chance to lose interest in the area before the situation escalates and visitors or the bear are harmed.”  

Fall is a critical time of year for bears. Between September and November bears may forage for food up to 20 hours a day as they attempt to put on weight for the winter and hibernation. During this time bears actively seek out natural foods but will also take advantage of human foods when presented with the opportunity.

Park staff want to remind park visitors and neighbors to keep food out of sight and follow all bear safety tips available on the Parkway’s Bear Safety web page and at BearWise.org. If you encounter a bear while on the Parkway, call (828) 298-2491 or stop at the nearest Visitor Center to report the encounter.    

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Comments

Submitted by LeeAnno on October 30, 2023 - 4:13pm.

This is why we can't have nice things.


Submitted by Connie Burnett on October 30, 2023 - 7:06pm.

I am glad to know this.

Bears deserve protection from people who don't educate themselves on park rules and follow the regulations regarding bears.


Submitted by Eldridge Jane on October 30, 2023 - 8:19pm.

Went through the area 3rd week of Oct. Totally insane with ppl disregarding all rules and regulations. Sad to see a beautiful area be disrespected. lots of vehicles should of been ticketed for improper parking making it very difficult to pass and very dangerous. ppl walking along very tight areas of the road making driving difficult. I left the area it was very unsafe conditions.


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