A shocking event in Asheville, North Carolina, has exposed the dangerous lengths some people will go to for a photo. A group of individuals was caught on camera pulling two black bear cubs from a tree to take selfies.

This act, recorded by a concerned witness, has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns among wildlife officials and conservationists about the impact of human interference on wildlife¹.

Innocent Cubs in Peril

The distressing video shows several people yanking the bear cubs from the tree branches and posing for photos. One of the cubs was dropped after a loud screech, causing further distress. Witnesses reported the incident to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)². Responding to a police call, NCWRC officials found one cub in a nearby retention pond, wet, shivering, and favoring one of its front paws. The cub was rescued and taken to the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. Sadly, the second cub remains missing and is presumed to have reunited with its mother³.

The Aftermath

The rescued cub is now recovering at the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, where she is eating, playing with another orphaned cub, and showing promising signs of recovery. The refuge aims to release the cubs back into the wild in the fall, ensuring they are well-prepared for survival⁴. Rehabilitation efforts involve providing a specialized diet and minimizing human contact to prevent the cubs from becoming habituated to humans, which is crucial for their successful reintroduction into the wild⁴.

Why This Matters

Wildlife experts advise the public to refrain from handling or approaching bear cubs or any other wild animals. If a cub appears to be alone, it is often not abandoned; the mother is usually nearby foraging for food¹. Interfering with the cub can inadvertently separate it from its mother and cause harm. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behavior around wildlife. Human interference often leads to negative outcomes for animals, underscoring the need for greater public awareness and education¹.

Take Action

This heartbreaking event demonstrates the urgent need to protect our wildlife and hold those who harm animals accountable. By signing the petition to the Chair of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, you can help send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Help us urge local law enforcement and the District Attorney's office to press charges against those responsible and ensure they face appropriate legal consequences. Together, we can promote a healthier coexistence with nature and ensure a better future for all.

Sign the petition now to demand justice and protect our wildlife.

More on this issue:

1. ABC11 (1 May 2024), "Bear cub pulled from tree for selfie recovering at NC wildlife refuge, could return to wild."
2. Gabrielle Rockson, People (19 April 2024), "North Carolina Group Caught on Camera Pulling Black Bear Cubs from Tree to Get Selfie."
3. Chloe Rafferty, Ashleigh Jackson, Fox 8 (6 May 2024), "People caught on camera pulling bear cubs from trees in North Carolina."
4. Hillary Andrews, Fox Weather (5 May 2024), "Bear cub orphaned due to selfies 'thriving' at refuge after failed attempts to reunite it with mother."