Black Bear Attacks Couple on Blue Ridge Parkway, Forcing Temporary Closures

This news story about a black bear attack on the Blue Ridge Parkway is based on a September 30, 2021, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.

On Wednesday, September 29, a black bear attack occurred on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. The incident, which involved a couple and their dog, happened in the parking area of the popular Folk Art Center near Asheville, one of the top attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Along with wildlife biologists, park rangers are currently trying to capture the bear. If the attacking bear is captured and positively identified, the animal will be humanely euthanized, the National Park Service (NPS) said.

In the meantime, a number of area closures and restrictions were put in place to prevent additional attacks.

Black Bear Attacks Couple on Blue Ridge Parkway

According to the NPS press release, a couple was enjoying a picnic on a grassy hill near the Folk Art Center, when their dog alerted them of the presence of a black bear.

Unleashed, the dog ran toward the bear while barking loudly. Likely aggravated by the dog, the bear acted defensively toward the dog and the couple.

Over the next several minutes, there were repeated attacks by the black bear, while the couple retreated to the safety of their vehicle with their dog. The couple drove to Mission Hospital where they were both treated for their injuries and released on Wednesday evening.

Due to the bold and aggressive nature of this black bear attack on the Blue Ridge Parkway, temporary closures are in place on all trails in the area. Additionally, all outdoor food is currently also prohibited.

Closures and restrictions include:

• The Mountains to Sea Trail from the intersection with the Visitor Center Loop Trail near parkway milepost 384 to Riceville Rd. Bridge at milepost 382 
• The Folk Art Center Nature Loop Trail and all trails accessed off of Bull Mountain Road
• Picnicking is prohibited between the Asheville Visitor Center and adjacent parking areas near parkway milepost 384 to the Haw Creek Overlook near milepost 380 

National Park Service Reminds Visitors of Bear Safety Guidelines

During the busy fall visitation season on the Parkway, visitors are reminded that the fall season is also a critical feeding period for bears before they enter winter hibernation.

Park visitors are reminded to take necessary precautions and be BearWise while in bear country (with dogs). This includes properly following food storage regulations, keeping pets leashed and remaining at a safe viewing distance from bears.

If attacked by a black bear, rangers strongly recommend fighting back with any object available and remember that bears may view you and your pets as prey. Though rare, black bear attacks on humans do occur, and can cause injuries or death.

You can read and learn more about black bear safety here.

Park rangers and wildlife biologists, in coordination with NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), are attempting to capture the bear and conducting and foot patrols of the immediate area.

A thorough investigation of the scene was conducted and forensic evidence was collected to be used for DNA analysis.

If the offending bear is captured and positively identified, officials will humanely euthanize the animal, per park and NCWRC protocol.