Group of People Endanger Bear Cubs for Selfies, Leaving One Orphaned and Injured

People in North Carolina pulled bear cubs from a tree to take pictures, leaving one injured. 

On Tuesday afternoon in North Carolina, a disturbing incident unfolded as a group of individuals irresponsibly pulled two bear cubs from a tree in an attempt to take pictures with the animals. The reckless act left one cub orphaned and potentially injured.

Reckless Capture

The group, consisting of approximately five people, was captured on video by onlooker Rachel Staudt approaching a tree near an apartment complex in Asheville. The tree was home to the two bear cubs perched on its branches. As the group neared the tree, they reached through the foliage to grab hold of the cubs, causing them to lose their grip on the branches. One of the cubs was quickly pulled away and held like a pet, while another member of the group posed and smiled for a picture.

One of the cubs managed to break free temporarily and ran towards a nearby fence. However, an individual from the group intervened and seemingly attempted to catch the cub, leading to further distress for the animal.

Response and Consequences

Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, responded to the distressing situation. She found one cub lethargic, limping, and with a low body temperature. The other cub was no longer present on the premises. The enforcement division of the agency has initiated an investigation into the incident.

Hobbs emphasized the dangers posed by such actions, highlighting the risks to both humans and animals. She stressed the potential threat from a nearby mother bear and the increased risk of injury and separation for the cubs. Wildlife experts are united in advocating for leaving wild animals undisturbed and instead contacting the state wildlife agency for assistance in such situations.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

The injured cub was transported to the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Center, a nearby rehabilitation facility in Candler. Hobbs reported that the cub is currently recovering well and will remain in the care of the facility until it is old enough to be released into the wild. Bear cubs are unable to survive on their own, and the refuge center will wait until the cub reaches a subadult stage before releasing it. This stage refers to a range of ages between 4 and 6 years old, at which bears become independent of their mothers despite not yet being technically mature.

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