Disturbing Video Leads to Wildlife Investigation
A deeply concerning video captured in Asheville has prompted an investigation by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). The video depicts individuals pulling two young bear cubs from a tree at an apartment complex and taking selfies with them.
Irresponsible Actions Condemned
Wildlife experts have condemned the actions as shockingly irresponsible and part of a troubling trend of human interaction with wildlife. They emphasize that such behavior is not only cruel to the animals but also poses a risk to public safety.
Cub Found, Another Missing
Officials responded to the video after it was reported to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Biologists located one of the cubs in a retention pond, wet and cold from having been alone for an extended period. The cub is currently receiving care at a rehabilitation facility. The other cub has not been found, and authorities hope it has managed to reunite with its mother.
Wildlife Interactions Discouraged
The NCWRC strongly advises against any attempts to handle or feed bear cubs. They rarely become orphaned or abandoned, and the mother is usually nearby, seeking food. If someone encounters a cub believed to be orphaned, they are urged to contact the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.
Potential Danger
Interacting with bear cubs while the mother is present poses significant safety risks. Mother bears may defend their young aggressively, putting humans in harm’s way.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the lack of awareness and respect for wildlife that can lead to dangerous consequences for both animals and people.
