A black bear can seem almost magical. According to experts, if we see one, generally it has already detected us and follows our movements. If he were the other way around, and we surprised him, we could be in danger.
Both the National Forest Service and the Bear Wise organization state that it is very rare for a bear to attack a human.
When it happens, it is usually due to lack of knowledge of how to interact with them in their natural habitat which, in many cases, are also urban areas.
For residents of the Appalachian Mountains and visitors to western North Carolina, especially during spring, summer and fall, knowing what to do when faced with a bear encounter is crucial, both for the safety of animals and people.
A week ago, a video of tourists taking bear cubs down from a tree in Asheville to take pictures went viral, intensifying the discussion about the importance of educating people about proper behavior during bear encounters.
What is the appropriate behavior to live with bears in densely populated areas, such as the city of Asheville, what we should do and what we should not do, and why it is so important not to interfere in the lives of wild animals.
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A close encounter with a bear
Last week, I had a close encounter with a bear in the driveway of my house in West Asheville.
It was night and, upon returning from the supermarket, before getting out of the car to climb the 20 meters from the street to the porch - I live on the top of a hill - I saw a large bear sitting next to the path, staring at me: clearly I I had seen a lot before.
The bear had rummaged through the trash can looking for food and was accompanied by a baby bear.
Knowing that interfering between a mother bear and her cub can be very dangerous, I opted to stay in the car and give them room to leave.
One of the most crucial tips is to back away slowly when encountering a bear.
That night, we needed to get into the house, so I honked the horn several times and my husband got out to make her flee screaming with authority, arms raised.
The bear ran into the woods behind our house, and after waiting a while, we finally went up to our home.
These types of bear encounters are quite common for urban residents in western North Carolina.
Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, explained to Enlace Latino NC While the exact number of bears in the state's most populous city is unknown, "we believe areas like Asheville have high densities of bears, given the number of human-bear observations and interactions reported annually to our agency."
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Living with black bears
North Carolina is home to a significant population of black bears, estimated at approximately 20,000 individuals, with 8,000 to 9,000 in the mountain region and about 12,000 in the coastal region.
Although they are also observed in the central region of the foothills, there is no established population there.
In areas like Asheville, bear density is particularly high, even though urban areas were not included in recent bear density studies, such as those conducted in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Bear-human interaction on the rise
Interactions between bears and humans have increased, especially due to bears' access to human food sources, such as bird feeders and garbage.
This reduces their fear of humans, raising incidents in communities where bears are frequently seen, causing property damage, interacting with pets, or getting too close to people.
To prevent close encounters, it is crucial to follow BearWise principles, which include securing food sources and keeping pets under close control.
If a bear is sighted near a home, it is important not to approach, back away slowly, and secure any items that may attract them.
In addition to risks to people, bears face significant dangers in built-up areas, primarily vehicle collisions and the intolerance of some people.
The urban waste-based diet could also negatively affect your gut health.
Authorities emphasize the importance of education on peaceful and respectful coexistence with these animals, implementing preventive measures in communities to guarantee both the safety of people and the well-being of black bears.
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Six basic rules for living with bears in urban areas
Bear Wise It is an educational program that focuses on helping people live safely and responsibly alongside black bears and other types of bears.
The program provides information and practical strategies to reduce conflicts between humans and bears, highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence.
Here are their main tips for living with bears in urban areas:
1. Never feed or approach bears
Leaving food out in the open whets bears' appetites and reduces their natural environment, forcing them to look for food where there are human populations.
When they feel threatened, bears may attack. For your safety and theirs, do not feed them or approach them.
2. Close trash and recycling items tightly
The smell of food makes bears hungry. Securely close waste bags and trash containers, including those for recycling items.
3. Remove Bird Food Containers
Bird food is attractive to bears because it is rich in protein. Store feeders when not in use. Avoid creating conflicts.
4. Pet food: Never leave it outdoors
Always feed your pets indoors. If this is not possible, serve individual portions and remove the bowl as soon as your pet finishes eating.
Store any pet food in places where bears can't see or smell it.
5. Clean and store grills well
Remove any traces of oil, grease or food particles. Store clean grills and smokers in safe places that are inaccessible to bears.
6. Are there bears in your area? Alert the neighbors
The bears' environment has shrunk. Share information with your neighbors about how to avoid conflicts with these animals. It is up to us to prevent bears from adapting to living with humans.
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