Black bear attacks couple, dog on Blue Ridge Parkway

October 4, 2021

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A couple was treated at Mission Hospital after being mauled by a Black bear attacks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville on Sept. 29, requiring the closing of trails around the popular area and the likely euthanization of the bear, according to a parkway official.
According to Leesa Brandon, parkway spokesperson, the man and lady were having a picnic on a grassy slope when their dog’s barking alerted them to the presence of a bear nearby.
“The bear acted defensively toward the dog and the pair, most likely because it was irritated by the dog. The Black bear attacks the couple numerous times over the following few minutes as they ran to the safety of their vehicle with their dog “a park official stated.

While the bear’s gender has not yet been confirmed, Brandon characterised it as young but not a yearling, weighing around 200 pounds.
The parkway is a haven for bears since it provides them with their natural, forested habitat, and shooting is prohibited. On parkway property, dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash. Owners who fail to leash their dogs face a $50 fine, according to Brandon.
Fall is one of the busiest seasons on the parkway, with millions of people flocking to the scenic byway that runs directly through Asheville to see the fall foliage. With 14.1 million visits in 2020, the parkway is the most visited unit of the National Park Service.

This is also a vital eating season for bears before they hibernate for the winter. Visitors should exercise caution and observe BearWise rules while in bear country, such as adhering to food storage regulations, keeping pets leashed, and staying a safe viewing distance from bears.
Rangers strongly advise fighting back with any object available if Black bear attacks on you and keep in mind that bears may see you and your pets as prey.
According to an autopsy report acquired by the Citizen Times on Aug. 18, a man discovered dead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2020 was most likely killed by a black bear who was spotted scavenge his bones.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s park rangers and wildlife scientists are combing the region for the bear, according to Brandon.

If the Black bear attacks is captured and positively identified, officials will “humanely euthanize” it in accordance with park and state wildlife commission protocol, a decision that is “never taken lightly,” according to Brandon.

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