Investigation Launched into Viral Incident of Woman Posing with Bear Cub in North Carolina

An investigation has been initiated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission into a viral incident where a woman was seen picking up a bear cub to pose for pictures and video in the Pisgah National Forest. The woman's actions have been strongly condemned by wildlife officials, who stress that it is illegal to approach, feed, or touch bears in the wild due to the potential dangers for both the animal and the person involved.

The incident occurred at an Asheville apartment complex, where a group of people were observed pulling two bear cubs out of a tree. During the interaction, one of the cubs bit a human and was later found lethargic and frightened, with an injured paw. The cub is currently under the care of a licensed rehabilitator, with the goal of releasing it back into the wild later this year. The whereabouts of the other cub remain unknown, and officials hope it was able to reunite with its mother.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and the need for better education on proper interaction with wild animals. The safety and well-being of both animals and humans are at risk when individuals engage in irresponsible behavior, such as handling bear cubs.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has stated that the cub's condition is likely a result of the "unnecessary and irresponsible actions of the people involved." The public is advised not to approach or feed bears, especially cubs, as it can be dangerous for both the animal and the human. The commission's decision not to press charges against the individuals involved has sparked outrage, with multiple online petitions generating thousands of signatures seeking penalties and stronger wildlife protection laws.

Petitioners argue that the current laws are too ambiguous and need to be more well-defined to prevent such incidents from occurring. They claim that this incident reflects a broader pattern of wildlife harassment in the area that goes unjustified and unpunished. The wildlife commission maintains that education is their primary tool to discourage such behavior and urges the public to contact them if they encounter an orphaned bear cub rather than attempting to capture it themselves.

The rescued cub, estimated to be 3-4 months old, is doing well at the rehabilitation facility. If it meets health and behavioral standards, it will be returned to the wild this fall. Chris Gentile, the director of the Western North Carolina Nature Center, described the video of the incident as "cringeworthy" and expressed concern for the safety of both the bears and the people involved, stating that wild animals can be unpredictable and should not be "molested and grabbed and pulled aside."

Key Takeaways

• NC Wildlife Commission investigating viral video of woman picking up bear cub.
• Bear cub bit a human and is now under care of a licensed rehabilitator.
• Public advised not to approach or feed bears due to safety risks.
• Wildlife commission's decision not to press charges sparks outrage and calls for stronger laws.
• Rescued cub doing well, may be released back into the wild this fall.