ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is making an effort to capture an adult female bear after she injured an Asheville resident in their home on Tuesday evening.
According to NCWRC representative Anna Gurney, the agency determined that the bear posed a threat to human safety after investigating the incident, which occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18 in North Asheville.
“Efforts are being made to catch and humanely dispatch this adult female bear. Efforts are also being made to catch the cubs to move them away from nearby human-related food attractants. Following research and NCWRC orphaned cub guidelines, the cubs can be self-sufficient at this age,” Gurney said.
The female bear entered the home of the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, through an unlocked door, while her three cubs played on the front porch. The resident was attempting to give the bear an escape route out of their house when they were injured. The victim was treated at a local hospital and released.
“NCWRC reminds the public of the importance of following the BearWise Basics to keep bears wild and people safe, and to deter bears from homes and businesses by securing trash, pet food and removing bird feeders when bears are active,” Gurney said. “Please be diligent about closing and locking the doors and windows of your home. A screen alone cannot prevent access to a determined bear. Never leave open doors and windows unattended.”
Learn more about bear safety at www.bearwise.org.