Woman injured after bear enters Asheville home
Witnesses said the bear appeared accustomed to people and human food.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A woman was injured during an encounter with a bear bear inside her Asheville home. Now, the N.C Wildlife Resources Commission is reminding people to take steps to keep bears away from their homes.
The incident happened Tuesday night. Wildlife officials say a female black bear entered a the home, and the woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries as the bear attempted to leave.
She was treated at a hospital and later released.
According to the commission, witnesses reported the bear showed signs of being habituated to humans and conditioned to seek food around people.
"From our active investigation, the victim was not intentionally feeding the bear, but it had repeated access to pet food inside the home through an unlocked door and unsecured trash outside," NCWRC Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn said. "That's why we want to remind folks about the dangers and consequences of unintentional feeding of wildlife."
Wildlife officials said repeated access to food sources such as pet food and trash can cause bears to view neighborhoods and homes as reliable places to find food.
The agency said its investigation found evidence that the bear had a history of entering the home. Because of concerns about public safety, officials are attempting to capture and humanely euthanize the adult bear.
Efforts are also underway to capture the bear's cubs. Biologists will determine whether the cubs are old enough to be relocated to an undeveloped area.
The Wildlife Resources Commission said relocating adult bears is not considered an effective solution because it can transfer the animal's learned behavior to a new location.
How to keep bears away from your home
Officials are urging residents to follow BearWise recommendations by securing trash and pet food, removing bird feeders when bears are active, and keeping doors and windows closed and locked. The agency also recommends electric fencing or electric deterrent mats around homes, gardens, beehives and livestock enclosures.
With fall approaching and bears increasing their food intake ahead of winter, officials said residents should eliminate food attractants whenever possible.
Anyone needing wildlife assistance or wishing to report bear activity can contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401. More information is available at BearWise.org.
