On cam: NC group pulls bear cubs out of tree for selfies
A group of people were caught on video in Asheville pulling bear cubs out of a tree -- all to take a few selfies.
In the video, the group is seen pulling the cubs from a tree then holding one of the bears and taking a selfie while some of the cubs run for safety.
Ashley Hobbs, a biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, said the video was reported on Tuesday evening.
While multiple cubs are seen on camera, when Hobbs arrived she said there was only one still there. Hobbs said the cub was wet and cold and had been alone for quite some time.
"It's pretty traumatic to be pulled out of a tree like that," Hobbs said.
Thankfully, the cub is now in a rehabilitation facility.
"We did follow up with the people who pulled the bear out of the tree and we did confront them on site that day," Hobbs said. "We let them know how irresponsible and potentially deadly it could be for that cub to be separated from its mom."
Hobbs said it is frustrating to preach about coexisting with bears and then to see videos like this one.
Jody Williams, the former director of Help Asheville Bears, was equally as disturbed.
"All for a selfie," Williams said, alarmed that the video shows a person dropping one of the cubs. "I feel bad for the cubs, I feel bad for the ignorance of those people."
It's important to give bears space when you encounter them. Williams said the video is an example of exactly what not to do.
"Total selfishness, this is not what we talk about when we talk about coexisting," Williams said.
Hobbs explained this is a pretty rare situation to see, and she's hopeful this can be used as a serious educational moment.
"To have someone blatantly intervene with wildlife like this," she said.
Authorities are still investigating to determine if charges will be filed against the people in the video.
Humans can safely coexist with bears
According to officials, bear sightings may become more frequent in the spring as black bears emerge from their dens.
During mating season, male bears are particularly active, and several sightings were reported in Fuquay-Varina and Garner last May and in Johnston County last June.
If you see a bear in an urban area, it is just passing through, wildlife officials say. Steer clear of the bear and do not harm it.
If you see a bear cub alone, it is probably just waiting for its mother. You can take note of the location, leave and call the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 if you suspect the bear is abandoned.
If you see a bear den under your deck, shed, or crawlspace, remain calm, leave the area and call the N.C. Wildlife Helpline.
