Asheville, NC, September 13, 2025
News Summary
In Asheville, a resident shot an adult female black bear after it exhibited aggressive behavior, including attempts to enter their home. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed that the shooting was justified as the bear posed a threat to human safety. Authorities highlighted the importance of managing food attractants to prevent bear encounters and promote coexistence with wildlife through the BearWise program.
Asheville – On the evening of August 10, an Asheville resident shot an adult female black bear in what authorities have deemed self-defense after the bear exhibited increasingly aggressive behavior, including repeated attempts to enter the resident’s home. The bear had previously charged at the resident’s front door, prompting concerns about its threat to human safety.
Before the incident, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission had been alerted to the bear’s unusual behavior, which included forcibly entering the resident’s home multiple times within the week leading up to the shooting. In response to these concerns, the commission had set traps in hopes of capturing the bear and her four cubs. While three of the cubs were successfully trapped, the adult bear had not been contained by the time the shooting occurred.
Following the incident, an investigation by the wildlife commission confirmed that the resident’s decision to shoot the bear was justified and within legal means, given the immediate threat posed to their safety. Authorities determined that relocating the bear posed an ongoing risk, as it had demonstrated the ability to access food within an occupied home, which could lead to further dangerous encounters if it were moved.
Officials emphasize the importance of managing potential attractants in the community that can lead to bear intrusions. They have advised residents to secure food sources, dispose of garbage properly, and remove bird feeders during bear-active seasons to minimize these encounters. Ashley Hobbs, the BearWise coordinator, is among those advocating for changes in human behavior as a way to coexist with the growing black bear population throughout Western North Carolina.
This incident is part of a larger issue in Asheville and surrounding areas, where concerns continue about unsecured food attractants. The BearWise program, designed to educate residents on how to safely coexist with black bears, provides essential guidelines and resources to mitigate risks associated with bear encounters.
Overall, this event raises awareness about the behavior of wildlife in urban areas and highlights the need for community education and proactive measures to prevent potential harm to both humans and wildlife.
Bear Management Strategies
- Secure all food and garbage to prevent bear access.
- Remove bird feeders when bears are known to be active.
- Avoid intentionally feeding bears to prevent reliance on human-provided food sources.
- Report aggressive bear behavior to local wildlife authorities promptly.
About the BearWise Program
The BearWise program aims to educate the public about how to live safely alongside black bears by minimizing human-bear interactions. It offers practical guidelines to help residents understand bear behaviors and how to effectively manage attractants in residential areas.
FAQ Section
What happened in Asheville regarding the bear incident?
An Asheville resident shot an adult female black bear in self-defense after it charged at their door and had previously entered their home several times.
Why was shooting the bear considered legal?
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission investigated the incident and determined that the resident’s actions were justified due to the bear’s threat to human safety.
What recommendations are given to residents to avoid bear encounters?
Residents are advised to secure all food sources, manage garbage properly, and remove bird feeders during periods of bear activity to reduce the risk of intrusions.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Asheville Bear Incident
- WSOC TV: Bear Shot in NC
- The Assembly: Asheville Urban Bears
- Charlotte Observer: Bear Shootings in NC
- 828 News Now: Shooting Incident
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
