A couple picnicking on a grassy hill along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina was attacked by a black bear that apparently became agitated by the couple’s barking dog.
The encounter occurred Wednesday evening in the parking area of the Folk Art Center, according to the National Park Service via the Caldwell Journal.
The couple was alerted to the presence of the bear by their unleashed dog, which ran toward the bear while barking loudly.
“Likely aggravated by the dog, the bear acted defensively toward the dog and the couple” and “over the next several minutes, there were repeated attacks by the bear while the couple retreated with their dog to the safety of their vehicle,” the park service stated. “The couple drove to Mission Hospital where they were both treated for their injuries and released.”
The extent of their injuries were not known.
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The News & Observer reported that the Folk Art Center is a popular destination at Mile Post 382 near Asheville.
As a result of the attack, officials issued closures and restrictions in these areas:
- The Mountains to Sea Trail from the intersection with the Visitor Center Loop Trail near parkway milepost 384 to Riceville Rd. Bridge at milepost 382.
- The Folk Art Center Nature Loop Trail and all trails accessed off of Bull Mountain Road.
- Picnicking is prohibited between the Asheville Visitor Center and adjacent parking areas near parkway milepost 384 to the Haw Creek Overlook near milepost 380.
More from the National Park Service:
Park rangers and wildlife biologists, in coordination with N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), are attempting to capture the bear and conducting and foot patrols of the immediate area. A thorough investigation of the scene was conducted, and forensic evidence was collected to be used for DNA analysis. If the offending bear is captured and positively identified, officials will humanely euthanize the animal, per park and NCWRC protocol.
Also on FTW Outdoors: Bison with calf doesn’t take kindly to woman getting too close
The National Park Service of Blue Ridge Parkway offers bear safety tips on its website.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
