Bear repeatedly used unlocked door to eat pet food inside home, NC report says
The bear that entered an Asheville home and injured the homeowner has a history of showing up inside the house, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
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A search is ongoing to find and euthanized the adult female bear, which has been deemed a danger to humans, the commission says.
The latest home intrusion occurred around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, and resulted in the homeowner suffering non-life threatening injuries, the commission said in a news release. The woman was treated at a hospital and released.
Investigators say the injuries occurred as the bear was exiting the home to reunite with three cubs waiting on the front porch. First reponders said it appeared the bear may have swatted at the homeowner.
Witnesses report the bear has “exhibited behavior of being habituated, food conditioned, and lacking fear of humans,” state officials said
“The victim was not intentionally feeding the bear, but it had repeated access to pet food inside the home through an unlocked door and unsecured trash outside,” N.C. Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn said in a news release.
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“That’s why we want to remind folks about the dangers and consequences of unintentional feeding of wildlife, as repeated access to human-provided foods rewards bears and will lead to bears viewing human homes and neighborhoods as reliable sources of food. The cycle of human habituation and food-conditioning continues when female bears teach their offspring.”
The bear will be “humanely dispatched” when captured. The cubs are also being sought, and state biologists will determine if they are self-sufficient enough to be released in undeveloped area.
Black bears are native to the state and are a common sight in the mountains. The predators are known to search for food in trash bins and have learned to open doors on parked vehicles if they smell food inside, experts say.
The website BearWise Basics offers safety tips on how to keep bears out of homes and businesses “by securing trash, pet food, and removing bird feeders.”
“Please be diligent about closing and locking the doors and windows of your home, especially if you know bears are in the area,” the commission says. “A screen alone cannot prevent access to a habituated and determined bear. Never leave open doors and windows unattended.”
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Asheville is about a 130-mile drive northwest from uptown Charlotte.
