Bear Cub Rescued from Tree for Selfies Released Back into North Carolina Wild

A bear cub in Asheville, North Carolina, was rescued after being pulled from a tree for selfies. The incident gained attention in mid-April when a video showed people taking pictures with two bear cubs. A witness filmed the event and reported it to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).

One cub was found in a nearby pond and taken to a wildlife refuge in Candler. The other cub, believed to be its sibling, was never located. The wildlife authorities are unsure if the cubs were orphaned or waiting for their mother.

After rehabilitation, the female bear cub was released into a remote mountain area. It received a tracking collar and identification tag before its release. NCWRC Bearwise Coordinator Ashley Hobbs noted that the cub is adapting well and is expected to find a den for the winter.

What should people do if they encounter a bear cub in the wild?

Title: Expert Weighs In on Asheville Bear Cub Rescue: A Call to Respect Wildlife

Date: [Insert Date]

In mid-April, a troubling incident drew attention in Asheville, North Carolina, when a bear cub was rescued after being pulled from a tree for selfies. As the story unfolds, we sat down with Ashley Hobbs, the Bearwise Coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), to discuss the implications of this event and the importance of wildlife conservation.

News Directory 3 (ND3): Thank you for joining us, Ashley. Can you tell us how the NCWRC became involved in the bear cub incident?

Ashley Hobbs (AH): Absolutely. We were alerted by a concerned witness who filmed the disturbing scene of people taking selfies with two bear cubs. This kind of behavior poses serious risks, not just to the cubs, but also to the individuals involved. Upon receiving the report, our team was dispatched to assess the situation.

ND3: What was the outcome of that intervention?

AH: We were able to locate one of the bear cubs, which was found in a nearby pond. It has since been taken to a wildlife refuge in Candler for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, the other cub, believed to be its sibling, remains missing. We’re not certain if the cubs were orphaned or if the mother bear was simply foraging nearby, which is common behavior in these situations.

ND3: Why is it important for the public to understand the behavior of mother bears and their cubs?

AH: Many people mistakenly believe that a solitary bear cub is orphaned. However, mother bears often leave their cubs temporarily while they search for food, keeping a close eye on them. This behavior is vital for the survival of the cubs. Approaching or attempting to capture bear cubs can be very dangerous and illegal in North Carolina.

ND3: Can you elaborate on the legal implications regarding bear cubs in the state?

AH: Yes, it is illegal to keep a black bear cub in North Carolina. This law is in place to protect both the bears and people. Interfering with wildlife can lead to dangerous encounters, particularly if the mother bear is nearby. We urge the public to respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.

ND3: What has been the follow-up for the rescued cub once rehabilitation was complete?

AH: The bear cub has been rehabilitated and released into a remote mountain area. Before its release, we fitted the cub with a tracking collar and identification tag. This monitoring will help us understand her adaptation to the wild. So far, she’s doing well and is likely to find her own den for the winter months.

ND3: What message do you want to convey to the public regarding wildlife interactions?

AH: The key takeaway is to respect wildlife and their natural habitats. We encourage everyone to observe animals from a distance and never attempt to intervene, especially with young animals. They have specific needs and interactions with humans can be detrimental, not just for the animals, but also for human safety. Educating ourselves about local wildlife is essential for coexistence.

ND3: Thank you, Ashley, for this valuable insight into the bear cub incident and wildlife conservation.

AH: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these conversations going to protect our wildlife and ensure responsible behavior in nature.

As the story of the bear cubs emphasizes, respecting wildlife and understanding their behaviors is vital to fostering a harmonious coexistence with nature.
It is illegal to keep a black bear cub in North Carolina. Many bear cubs seen alone are not actually orphaned. Their mothers are often nearby foraging for food. People are advised against capturing bear cubs, as this can endanger both the cub and themselves if the mother is nearby.

This incident highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats.