ASHEVILLE, N.C. — (Warning: Story contains graphic details or images)
A disturbing video out of Asheville has led to an investigation by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
The video shows a group of people pulling two young bear cubs out of a tree in Asheville at an apartment complex and then taking selfies with the cubs.
"It is shockingly irresponsible and part of an unfortunate trend of people interacting with wildlife," Gail Thomssen, North Carolina state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said. "It is cruel to the animals and puts the public in harm’s way."
Officials say the video was reported to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday. Biologists were sent to the complex, where they could only find one of the cubs. They were told both cubs had gotten away after one of them bit someone.
NCWRC staff found one of the cubs in a retention pond. The cub, wet and cold, had been alone for some time.
"The cub's condition is likely a result of the unnecessary and irresponsible actions of the people involved," Colleen Olfenbuttel with the NCWRC said.
The cub is now at a rehab facility and the other cub has not been found.
Officials said they hoped the second cub was able to reunite with its mother because it was too young to survive on its own.
“This incident that took place in Asheville, North Carolina is a startling and serious reminder of the severe lack of awareness, caution and respect for wildlife that some can exhibit when chasing opportunities to interact, handle and pose for photos with wild animals," Thomssen said.
NCWRC is urging people to never attempt to handle or feed bear cubs. They are very rarely orphaned or abandoned and the mother is usually nearby looking for food.
"This time of year, mother bears are emerging from their den with their cubs that are experiencing the outside world for the first time and are very dependent on their mother to feed and protect them," Olfenbuttel said. "People who try to handle a cub are not only risking the cub's safety but their own if the mother bear is nearby, as she may try to defend her cubs."
If someone does encounter a bear cub that they believe may be orphaned, they are asked to call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401.
"The impact to these wild animals is deeply significant and forever life-changing, but it could have also been life-changing for the people who took part in this," Thomssen said, adding, "Interacting with black bear cubs in any way when the mother is present represents one of the most dangerous human safety situations we can have with this incredible species."
This incident is under investigation.
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