Stray dog search prompts Blue Ridge Parkway closures, draws welfare concerns
By Kelly Doty & Gracie Palmer
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HAYWOOD COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — A portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway closed Monday, April 20, 2026, not because of weather, but due to an ongoing search for two dogs that have gained attention on social media.
The closure on Monday occurred so that rangers could work to trap two dogs seen in the Waterrock Knob area.
A National Park Service (NPS) spokesperson confirmed trapping efforts after News 13 received multiple phone calls and emails from people concerned about the dogs’ welfare.
Park officials said rangers received a report of two “aggressive” dogs on April 18 near milepost 451. As a precaution, a section of the road was temporarily closed and has since reopened.
On Monday, April 20, News 13 crews observed another parkway closure at U.S. 74. The NPS spokesperson confirmed that another short-term closure was planned for Monday between mileposts 443 and 455 in an effort to capture the dogs and take them to a shelter.
Multiple community members have expressed concern about the animals, sharing photos of two dogs — one white and one brown — at various overlooks along the parkway.
The concern began back in March when residents driving along the parkway noticed two dogs near Fort Ridge Overlook with no collars.
“We could tell that they had been set out and abandoned and so we started coming up. We live close so we started coming up and checking on the dogs,” said resident Donna Trull.
Trull is not alone. Social media has since been flooded with concern for the dogs, with many in the community stepping in to help.
“That dog was very nice but extremely scared. These dogs were dumped off by somebody, and they are scared and timid,” said Holly Greenwald, another local resident.
Trull, Greenwald, and others have been returning to the parkway to feed the dogs—but say their condition appears to be getting worse.
“But the last several times I did see the dogs I noticed that they had lost a lot of weight,” Trull said.
During a recent visit, they also noticed an injury on the brown dog’s face, which they believe may have been caused by a gunshot wound.
“I said they don’t deserve this. They deserve better,” Trull said.
“These dogs are hungry, and they’re used to people feeding them. So, they came up to her thinking maybe she had food or something. I don’t think these dogs are going to hurt anybody,” Greenwald said.
Jackson County Animal Services told News 13 they have been in contact with the National Park Service, and, to their understanding, the dogs will be safely taken to a local shelter.
The National Park Service also said in a statement that they plan to “capture and relocate the dogs to an appropriate shelter location.”
Jackson County Animal Services confirmed that no one has called to claim the dogs.
Rangers asked the public to immediately notify park officials if they see dogs off-leash in the area. Park officials also asked the public not to approach, feed or try to capture the dogs.
NPS FULL STATEMENT:
“On April 18, National Park Service rangers responded to a report of two aggressive dogs near milepost 451. As a precaution, a section of the parkway was temporarily closed and has since reopened. There were no reported injuries.
Rangers continue to monitor the area. We ask that the public notify park officials immediately if they spot dogs off leash in this area and do not approach or attempt to capture or feed the animals. Another short term closure is expected later today between milepost 443 and 455 in an effort to capture and relocate the dogs to an appropriate shelter location.”
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