Bears Tear Down Bear Bags, Carry Off Backpacks At NC National Forests

NORTH CAROLINA — Anyone visiting national forests is western North Carolina are being warned that bears have recently been cited near people and campsites.

The U.S. Forest Service issued the warning last week for Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. Over Memorial Day weekend, visitors reported bears tearing down bear bags from trees, carrying off backpacks, spending hours near campsites and ignoring efforts to scare them away, said the forest service.

To avoid bear encounters while walking or hiking, Bearwise.com recommends:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Hike in groups and stay together.
• Keep kids within sight.
• Keep dogs on a leash or leave them home.
• Make noise in thick cover.
• Carry bear spray.

Safety tips for encountering a bear in the woods:

• If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction.
• If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.