Black bears are a common sight in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This year, park rangers are concerned about the uncharacteristically aggressive behavior of some bears in Western North Carolina. These hungry bears have caused chaos and even injuries when they encountered humans.
Bears usually stay away from campsites…unless lured in with food. Although bears are powerful predators, they are also omnivores. Mother bears seeking food for their cubs could smell food brought into the woods by a hiker. That bear might be tempted to break up the campsite or raid a backpack to find a meal.
In the Pisgah National Forest, “a mother bear and her cubs used people’s backpacks and bear canisters to get food,” reports USA today.
These encounters are frightening and dangerous for the people and bears involved. A confrontation between a territorial black bear can quickly turn deadly if the bear feels threatened. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located a few hours from the Pisgah National Forest. On On May 9, the park closed the Cosby Knob Shelter after a bear “showed no fear of humans and bit a walker”.
On May 11, the US Forest Service temporarily banned camping in a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The closure will affect approximately 20 miles of trails from Tanyard Gap to Little Laurel Shelter and Little Laurel Shelter to Deep Gap. “While backpackers are still allowed to hike the area, all campgrounds and shelters are off limits, including the area around the Rich Mountain Fire Tower,” the statement said. US Forest Service announced. Park rangers aren’t sure when the trail will reopen, but hikers need shelter can still seek refuge in one of the Appalachian Trail’s 250 backcountry shelters.
Stay safe in the woods
Never approach a bear. Camp or hike with others, as bears are less likely to attack a group of people. Unlike brown bears or grizzly bears, black bears cannot be deterred if you play dead during an attack. In the rare event that a black bear attacks, be prepared to escape or fight back with bear pepper spray.
The best way to prepare for a black bear attack is to avoid drawing bears into your campground. Forestry officials are concerned that local bears may become dependent on campers and hikers for food.
You can protect yourself, other people and bears by carefully storing your camping gear. Storing your food and properly disposing of waste can mean life or death for a bear. Bears learn quickly and will return to areas where they find food. Not only can this be dangerous to humans, but it is also harmful to bears.” explains the National Park Service. Bears can get sick if they mistake soap, camping gear, or trash for a snack. The National Park Service encourages hikers and campers to consider these tips before venturing into the woods:
- Keep your food within reach.
- Do not leave food unattended.
- Place food, wrappers, and crumbs in airtight containers.
- Check with park rangers or campground directors to see if the facility offers food lockers or lockable trash cans.
- Do not store food in your backpack or your tent.
To learn more about trail closures and safety procedures, please see the Appalachian Trail Conservancythe US Park Service, and the state or national park you plan to visit.