A North Asheville resident is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries after an encounter with a black bear on Tuesday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Spooks Branch Road when an adult female bear entered a private residence while three cubs remained on the porch. The victim was injured while trying to remove the animal from the home.
Wildlife officials from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission state that they are now working to locate and euthanize the adult bear, citing the threat it poses to human safety. They are also working to capture and relocate the three cubs, which they note are old enough to survive on their own.
Local residents expressed surprise at the injury. Many neighbors report that bear sightings are routine in the area. Long-time residents mentioned that they are accustomed to seeing bears in yards, creek beds, and near bird feeders. While some have experienced bears accessing trash or porches, many described the animals as non-aggressive.
This incident marks a shift for the community. Despite years of sharing the area with local wildlife and taking precautions like securing trash cans and installing window bars, this is the first time many neighbors have heard of an actual injury caused by a bear. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure public safety in the neighborhood.