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, to take a selfie. The incident, which took place around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, has sparked an investigation by state officials, as it is illegal to disturb a bear den in North Carolina under state law. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is looking into the matter, as disturbing a bear den can inadvertently expose bears and lead to orphaned or deceased cubs. The video shows individuals attempting to grab two bear cubs from a tree branch, with one person successfully grabbing a cub and subsequently dropping it to the ground. The cub was later reported to have bitten one of the people involved. After the incident, one bear cub was found wet, cold, and alone in a retention pond at the apartment complex, while the other cub could not be located. The cub was taken to a wildlife refuge for rehabilitation. The individuals involved were not publicly identified, and it was emphasized that interacting with bear cubs is dangerous for both the animals and humans. The video of the incident has drawn strong reactions on social media, with many expressing outrage and concern for the bear cubs' well-being.
Eyewitness Account and Response
Rachel Staudt, a resident of the apartment complex, witnessed the incident and attempted to intervene by telling the individuals to stop. She recorded the scene and subsequently alerted the apartment complex's maintenance, which then contacted law enforcement. A special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission reported that one of the bear cubs was found traumatized and favoring one of its front paws. The cub was taken to a wildlife refuge for rehabilitation, and the apartment staff member warned the residents about the dangers of interacting with bear cubs.
Public Reaction and Advice for Encountering Bear Cubs
The video of the incident went viral, prompting strong reactions on social media. Many expressed disgust and concern for the bear cubs' well-being, emphasizing the need to protect wildlife. Biologists advise that if someone encounters bear cubs or a den, they should stay calm, quiet, and leave the area as soon as possible. If there is suspicion that a cub has been orphaned, experts recommend not picking it up and instead contacting the local wildlife agency for assistance.
In summary, the video showing people yanking bear cubs from a tree for a selfie has sparked an investigation by state officials, drawn strong reactions on social media, and highlighted the importance of respecting wildlife and understanding the potential dangers of interacting with bear cubs.