A disturbing incident captured on video in North Carolina shows a group of individuals recklessly pulling bear cubs out of a tree to take selfies. The group, consisting of about six people, was seen grabbing three terrified black bear cubs from a tree at a Buncombe County apartment complex. The video shows the individuals posing with the cubs, with one person even dropping one of them. Another cub is seen trying to escape frantically, running away from the group and attempting to get back over the fence.
Authorities were alerted to the situation, and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission special projects biologist Ashley Hobbs was called in to assist. Upon arriving at the scene, Hobbs saw the video of the incident and found that only one cub remained. She confronted the individuals who removed the cub from the tree, informing them of the irresponsibility and potential danger of separating a cub from its mother in such a manner. Hobbs noted that it is unusual for a mother bear to leave her cubs unattended in a tree at this time of year, indicating that the cubs may have been alone for an extended period.
The lone cub was taken to a rehabilitation facility for evaluation and will eventually be released back into the wild. Hobbs expressed concern for the cub, noting that the experience was likely traumatic for the animal. She emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife and the dangers of interfering with their natural habitat. While no serious harm was done in this situation, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility humans have in coexisting with wildlife.
Jody Williams, founder of Help Asheville Bears, also commented on the video, expressing dismay at the carelessness of the individuals involved. Williams criticized their actions as being motivated solely by the desire for a selfie, highlighting the ignorance and selfishness displayed. She emphasized the need for education on how to coexist with wildlife, particularly bears, urging people to learn and follow guidelines to ensure both human and animal safety.
Williams stressed the importance of not grabbing bear cubs and maintaining a safe distance when encountering bears in the wild. The most common bears in North America are black bears and grizzly or brown bears, both of which require a respectful and cautious approach from humans. The US National Park Service advises against surprising bears and suggests avoiding female bears with their cubs, as interfering in such situations can provoke an aggressive response from the mother bear. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of human actions on wildlife and the need for greater awareness and responsibility in interacting with animals in their natural habitats.
