Bear that injured resident in North Carolina will be put down: officials
By Marisa Sardonia, RubyAnnas
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — A person was injured in a bear encounter in northern Buncombe County and taken to the hospital Tuesday evening, officials confirmed.
The Buncombe County resident received non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed. The resident was treated at the hospital and released.
Wildlife officials said the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when an adult female black bear entered the resident’s home through an unlocked door. The bear’s three cubs were seen playing on the front porch at this time, according to N.C. Wildlife. The resident was injured while trying to allow the bear to escape from the home, officials said.
According to an early-morning social media post by the Reems Creek Fire Department, crews arrived on the scene at approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday in an area where the department said it provides fire protection services through a contract with the Asheville Fire Department. Buncombe County Emergency Services also responded, the fire department said in the post.
“Crews arrived on scene and used the apparatus siren in an attempt to scare away any bears in the area. No bears were seen by firefighters upon arrival, and crews were able to safely access the residence,” the post said.
The fire department said that Buncombe County EMS evaluated the occupant of the home and transported the individual to the hospital for further evaluation. The fire department didn’t provide an update on the person’s condition.
The fire department said N.C. Wildlife was notified and responded to the scene to assist. The Wildlife Resources Commission said in an Aug. 19 statement that it was actively investigating the incident.
“Based on information provided to responders, it appeared that a bear may have opened the exterior door and entered the residence. The occupant reportedly encountered the bear as it exited, with the bear possibly swatting at the occupant on its way out. The exact circumstances of the encounter were not directly witnessed by responding firefighters,” the fire department said in the post.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission provided an update, saying the adult female bear “poses a threat to human safety.” The commission said officials are trying to catch and “humanely dispatch” the bear. There are also efforts to move the cubs away from human-related food areas. The commission adds that, according to research and NCWRC orphaned cub guidelines, the cubs can be self-sufficient at their age.
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