Current:Home > NewsHelene victims face another worry: Bears -Wealthify
Helene victims face another worry: Bears
View
Date:2025-04-21 17:17:19
ASHEVILLE, N.C. ‒ Bear-human conflict may increase in Western North Carolina following Tropical Storm Helene, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is warning.
Colleen Olfenbuttel, a black bear biologist for the NCWRC said that though there had been no reports of bear attacks as of Friday, an increase in reports of bear sightings led the commission to issue the warning in an attempt to avoid potential problems.
"We do have concerns that, with the number of damaged homes, it provides a lot of opportunity for bears to gain easy access to homes," Olfenbuttel told the Asheville Citizen Times ‒ part of the USA TODAY Network.
Did any bears die in Helene?
Olfenbuttel said there had been only one report to the NCWRC of a bear possibly injured in the storm, and none of bear deaths. She added that's likely in part due to their natural instincts.
"Compared to other wildlife, bears are remarkably adaptive to a whole host of conditions, including storms like this," she said. "Even though they don't have TVs or radios like us, they are wild animals that kind of can sense when a storm is coming, and they know to take shelter. We've received videos of bears going up in trees to escape floodwaters and to ride out the storm, which is kind of their natural behavior."
The recent warning from the NCWRC also said that bears are not experiencing a shortage of natural food sources in the wake of Helene and, as always, should under no circumstances be offered food.
Sewage problems may attract bears
Olfenbuttel said the rumor that black bears may be attracted to human feces left outdoors during water outages and issues with sewage systems in WNC could have some basis in reality.
"We certainly know that one component of trash that can attract certain bears — not all bears necessarily, you know; bears have sometimes have individual tastes just like us — but we do know certain bears, boy, when they find trash with a dirty diaper, they love it," she said.
But avoiding attracting bears with makeshift outdoor toilets is likely easier than avoiding attracting bears with garbage and food. Olfenbuttel said her advice is the same she would give regardless of bear activity.
"If you're having to use the bathroom outside, if it's possible, use a shovel, make a hole in the ground, use it, and then put the TP in there and cover it with dirt. And doing that will go a long ways in assuring that it doesn't become attractive," she said.
How to stay safe from bears
BearWise, a consortium of bear biologists including the NCWRC, offers this advice:
- Keep windows and doors closed and latched if bears are observed in your area. If you are unable to secure them due to damage, consider setting out an "unwelcome mat" made of plywood and nails.
- If you have an outdoor refrigerator or freezer, consider installing a padlock on the door to keep bears from accessing any food inside.
- Secure food, garbage and recycling. This may be more difficult with many trash services suspended in areas of WNC. The NCWRC recommends making every effort to store garbage in a bear-resistant structure, such as a shed, garage or home until it can be collected.
- Add bear-resistant measures to your trashcans using instructions from BearWise at bearwise.org under the heading "Keep Bears Out."
If you need to report bear behavior and activity, contact the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 or HWI@ncwildlife.org.
See the full NCWRC news release on the agency's blog at ncwildlife.org/blog/2024.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
veryGood! (6937)
Related
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- A beloved fantasy franchise is revived with Netflix’s live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
- Hunter Biden files motions to dismiss tax charges against him in California
- Gabby Petito's parents reach deal with parents of Brian Laundrie in civil lawsuit
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- After his wife died, he joined nurses to push for new staffing rules in hospitals.
- Review: Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' is a failure in every way
- Two steps forward, one step back: NFL will have zero non-white offensive coordinators
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Brothers resentenced to 60 years to life in 1995 slayings of parents, younger brother
Ranking
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- 20 Secrets About Drew Barrymore, Hollywood's Ultimate Survivor
- Amazon to join the Dow Jones index, while Walgreens gets the boot. Here's what that means for investors.
- Pandas to return to San Diego Zoo, China to send animals in move of panda diplomacy
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- In wake of mass shooting, here is how Maine’s governor wants to tackle gun control and mental health
- The Daily Money: How the Capital One-Discover deal could impact consumers
- A Missouri woman was killed in 1989. Three men are now charged in the crime
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Meet the 'Beatlemania boomers.' They face a looming retirement crisis
Haley looks ahead to Michigan with first TV ad, but faces steep climb in GOP primary
Kim Kardashian’s New SKIMS Swimwear Collection Is Poolside Perfection With Many Coverage Options
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Bad Bunny setlist: Here are all the songs at his Most Wanted Tour
Top NBA free agents for 2024: Some of biggest stars could be packing bags this offseason
Sex ed classes in some states may soon watch a fetal development video from an anti-abortion group