'Aggressive bear behavior' closes part of Appalachian Trail to overnight camping

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- U.S. Forest Service officials in North Carolina said Thursday, May 11, that a section of the Appalachian Trail is temporarily closed to overnight camping due to "recent aggressive bear behavior."

The notice applies to the area between Tanyard Gap and Deep Gap, including the area surrounding Rich Mountain Fire Tower.

Forest officials say while backpackers are still permitted to hike through, campsites and shelters are temporarily off-limits until further notice.

ALSO SEE: Bear in their backyard makes Fayetteville couple 'kind of uneasy'

Hikers are advised to plan accordingly for this closure, noting it's 13.7 miles from Tanyard Gap to the Little Laurel Shelter and 6.8 miles from Deep Gap to the Little Laurel Shelter.

An interactive map of the Appalachian Trail is available at nps.maps.arcgis.com.

Bearwise.org says hikers and campers should take special precautions while out in bear country to avoid an encounter.

The-CNN-Wire

& 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

ALSO SEE: Henderson County man fights off bear to save his 'best friend'

--Featured video is from previous report--