ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Firefighters responded Tuesday night to a reported encounter with a bear at a Buncombe County residence, according to the Reems Creek Fire Department.
The call came in at about 9 p.m. in an area where Reems Creek firefighters provide fire protection services under contract with the Asheville Fire Department.
Firefighters used the siren on their apparatus in an attempt to scare away any bears in the area. No bears were seen when crews arrived, and firefighters were able to safely reach the residence.
Buncombe County EMS evaluated the occupant and transported the person for further evaluation, the fire department said.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission also responded to the scene to assist.
Based on information provided to responders, a bear may have opened an exterior door and entered the residence. The occupant reportedly encountered the bear as it was leaving, and the bear may have swatted at the person as it exited.
Firefighters did not witness the encounter, so the exact circumstances were not immediately confirmed.
The fire department reminded residents in areas with active bear populations to secure food and other potential attractants and to keep doors and windows closed and secured.
Residents should not approach or attempt to interact with bears, officials said.