Latest news with #NCWildlifeCommission
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Video shows black bear brawl in Asheville: Here's what to know during bear mating season
USA TODAY published a video of two bears fighting on an Asheville roadside. Here's what to know about the area's bear population. The bears featured in the short USA TODAY clip caused a dramatic scene with their scuffle. While the majority of Western North Carolina may not have witnessed a bear brawl, most residents are far from strangers to the black bear population. In fact, many of the animals aren't particularly shy, perfectly comfortable rifling through trash cans or even taking casual strolls through downtown Asheville. With the warmest months of the year upon us, bears are growing particularly bold in many areas, ready to roam and explore in search of food. Here's what to know about black bears in WNC, including common misconceptions, safety rules and more. NC Wildlife Commission BearWise coordinator Ashley Hobbs said in a 2024 news release that, while black bears are not generally dangerous and are rarely aggressive toward humans, people sharing territory with the animals should do their part to reduce the potential for conflict. Black bear safety program BearWise recommendations include: Never feed or approach bears. Secure food, garbage and recycling. Remove bird feeders when bears are active. Never leave pet food outdoors. Clean and store grills and smokers. Alert neighbors to bear activity. If you encounter a black bear, the National Park Service suggests: Remain watchful. Do not approach it. Do not allow the bear to approach you. If the bear is at a distance, feeding, or walking by and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.), you are too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. The NPS says that black bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer, with mating usually taking place in July. According to BearWise, the record weight for a black bear is over 800 pounds. Male black bears generally weigh between 130 and 500 pounds, while females are smaller at around 90 to 350 pounds. Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@ This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Video: See black bears fight by Asheville road. Bear safety tips
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
Body recovered after multi-agency search on Lake Norman for missing boater
LAKE NORMAN (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A body has been found after multiple Iredell County and state agencies responded to Lake Norman Saturday evening in search of a missing boater. Around 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, officials said they were searching in the area of Channel Marker 20 near the Lake Norman State Park Campgrounds. Sherrills Ford – Terrell Fire & Rescue, Troutman Fire and Iredell County helped in the search The NC Wildlife Commission tells Queen City News that a man and a woman were on a pontoon boat, but would not say what led to the reported drowning. Rescue crews brought the woman to safety and she was taken to the hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time. Man dies following drowning incident at Moss Lake in Shelby, case under investigation Around 9:45 p.m., the search was canceled due to thunderstorms in the area. At noon on Sunday, June 15, officials said they 'successfully located and completed the drowning recovery earlier this morning.' Details on the cause of the drowning or the victim's identity have not yet been released. Officials urged everyone to stay out of the area and not make a wake nearby while crews were searching, as the wake would have altered the SONAR images for the crew. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,' Sherrills Ford – Terrell Fire & Rescue said in a post on 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
