Bear cubs pulled from tree in North Carolina angers wildlife officials
The incident was captured by a resident of the Asheville apartment complex.
Video Shows People Yank Bear Cubs from Tree for Selfie
A video captured a group of people yanking black bear cubs from a tree outside an apartment complex in Asheville, North Carolina, in an attempt to take a selfie. This incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, has sparked an investigation by state officials due to its illegal nature under North Carolina state law. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is particularly concerned about the potential harm caused to the bear cubs, as disturbing a bear den can inadvertently expose the bears and lead to orphaning or death of the cubs. One of the bear cubs was reported to have bitten one of the people involved during the interaction. The cub was later found wet, cold, and alone in a retention pond at the apartment complex, and was subsequently taken to a wildlife refuge for rehabilitation. The individuals involved in the incident have not been publicly identified as of the latest update. The video of the incident has drawn widespread attention and condemnation on social media, with many expressing outrage and concern for the well-being of the bear cubs.
Rachel Staudt, a resident of the apartment complex, witnessed the incident and attempted to intervene by telling the individuals to stop. She then recorded the incident and alerted the apartment complex's maintenance staff, who in turn contacted law enforcement. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and subsequently involved the state wildlife commission. The commission's special projects biologist reported that one of the bear cubs was traumatized and favoring one of its front paws, while the other cub was not located, which may not necessarily be a bad sign as mother bears often leave their cubs in safe places like trees while they forage.
The incident has prompted a reminder from wildlife experts that encountering bear cubs or a den should be handled with caution, and individuals should avoid disturbing them. If someone suspects a bear cub has been orphaned, they are advised not to pick it up and instead contact their local wildlife agency for assistance. The incident has also highlighted the dangers of interacting with wild animals, both for the animals themselves and for humans, as adult bears may react aggressively to protect their cubs.
The video of the incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many expressing concern for the well-being of the bear cubs and calling for accountability for the individuals involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and the potential consequences of irresponsible behavior towards wild animals.
Conclusion
The incident involving the yanking of bear cubs from a tree for a selfie has sparked outrage and concern, prompting an investigation by state officials and drawing attention to the importance of respecting wildlife and the potential consequences of irresponsible behavior towards wild animals.