‘Bear activity’ closes North Carolina campground after photo shows dramatic damage
“Bear activity” closed a North Carolina campground after dramatic damage was left behind, officials said.
A park ranger’s photo shows the gnarled side of a camper van after its paneling was ripped to shreds. A “not-so-little” bear caused the destruction late Nov. 1 at Gorges State Park, according to N.C. State Parks.
Now, the park system said no one will be allowed to camp at Gorges for about two weeks.
“If you have a camping reservation between now and November 16, you will receive a full refund,” officials wrote in a Facebook post. “The park remains open for day-use, but we advise visitors to always use caution.”
Park officials didn’t share additional information about the damage with McClatchy News, but said visitors and the bear are OK. Workers reportedly are trying to implement “bear aversion tactics.”
Gorges State Park, which boasts “plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, and sheer rock precipices,” is roughly 55 miles southwest of the popular mountain town of Asheville. The park typically offers tent sites, RV hookups and cabins, according to state officials.
The closure was announced Nov. 2, the day after N.C. State Parks in a Facebook post shared black bear facts with the hashtag #WildlifeWednesday.
“Well... this is awkward,” the park system wrote in its more recent post about the campground damage, adding: “Maybe they thought the photo we used was unflattering?”
Black bears live in the eastern and western parts of North Carolina. Though bears tend to avoid people, those that rely on “unnatural food sources” may come closer, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 8:14 AM with the headline "‘Bear activity’ closes North Carolina campground after photo shows dramatic damage."
