ASHEVILLE — Officials with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission filed charges after people were videotaped pulling two young black bear cubs from a tree to take selfies at an apartment complex in Asheville on April 16. The decision not to do so drew surprise and criticism from the public. Wildlife advocate.
Wildlife Commission officials began the investigation after being contacted by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office about what the commission later called “harassment of a black bear cub” at the Berrington Village Apartments. When staff arrived at the scene, they were told that “the cubs bit one of the humans and then both cubs ran away,” according to a previous news release.
“North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff investigated this incident and, while dangerous and unfortunate, it appears to be an isolated incident,” said commission spokeswoman Faley Mahlum.
“It is illegal to capture and keep black bears in North Carolina. However, the cub was quickly released and officers decided not to press charges.”
Mr Mahlam confirmed that the investigation into the incident is now closed.
Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist with the NCWRC, previously told the Citizen Times that when she arrived at the apartment complex, a bear cub was sitting in the reservoir, wet, cold and alone.
Ms Hobbs said it must have been there for a while and was “obviously a little traumatized”. In a subsequent news bulletin published on April 18, Hobbs said the cub was “precious of one of its paws.”
Previous report:Video, Witness: Asheville apartment resident pulls black bear cub out of tree for selfie
more:Will visitors be fined for feeding bears on the Blue Ridge Parkway? When will the roads reopen?
North Carolina Humane Society director encourages penalties, 'surprised' there are no penalties
Gail Thomsen, North Carolina state director for the Humane Society of the United States, called the incident “the awareness and vigilance toward wildlife that some people can display when interacting with, handling, and pursuing opportunities to interact with wild animals.” “This is an alarming and profound reminder of a serious lack of respect.” Take photos with wild animals. ”
Mr Thomsen said this was part of a “stunningly irresponsible” trend of people interacting with wild animals. “This is cruel to animals and puts the public at risk.”
“When asked for its reaction to the commission's decision to recommend penalties but not bring charges, Thomsen said in an initial statement that the Humane Society said: “Because it is illegal to capture and keep black bears in the North, I'm surprised he wasn't charged.” Carolina,” he said, adding that he believes the wildlife commission “conducted a thorough investigation.”
“We at least hope that this sad situation is getting a lot of attention and that the public will reflect on what happened to these animals and hopefully be more respectful and leave the wild animals alone. I hope so,” Thomsen said.
North Carolina General Law 113‑294 (c1) states, “Any person who unlawfully obtains, possesses, transports, sells, possesses for sale, or purchases a bear or bear parts is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. ” and will be subject to a fine. At least $2,000.
The law does not specify how long a person must possess a bear before it becomes a violation.
Diana Starr, an Asheville polyspecies geographer and bear expert, said, “The commission's tired assertion that the perpetrator immediately released the cubs is already completely inadequate, even if the commission enforced it.'' “It is yet another feeble excuse for the commission to refuse to enforce North Carolina's wildlife laws.” supporters told the Citizen Times on April 19.
“These 'abuse for love' cases must be vigorously prosecuted to deter other abusers. That's why laws against wildlife harassment and abuse must be strengthened and enforced.” said Starr.
more:Blue Ridge Parkway tourist says he was 'shocked' and saw visitor 'inches' away from black bear
What did the video show? Where are the bear cubs now?
The video, obtained by the Citizen Times, shows people trying to grab the black bear cub from a tree branch that extends over a short fence to an apartment complex. After a woman snatched the cub, she screamed in excitement before taking a photo with it.
The cub then fell to the ground and ran along the inside of the fence, making several attempts to climb onto it while the women gave chase.
Rachel Staudt, a resident of the apartment complex who filmed the video, said: “I tried to tell him to stop, but he wouldn't listen, so I decided to record it so that justice might be served for this cute bear cub.'' I thought so,” he said.
Mahlum said wildlife officers and biologists have discussed with stakeholders the importance of leaving the bear cub alone.
“We hope that the media attention this incident has received will re-emphasize the importance of following the BearWise® Basics and leaving wild animals alone,” said Mahlam.
The cub rescued from the holding pond remains at Candler's Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a licensed orphaned bear cub rehabilitation facility, Mahlum said.
“Her condition appears to be stable and she has been placed with another orphaned baby who was rescued earlier this year,” Mahlam said. “The second cub seen in the video has not yet been located, but we continue to monitor the area for any signs of the cub or its mother.”
Ryley Ober is a public safety reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email rober@gannett.com and follow us on Twitter @ryleyober
