News Summary
An Asheville resident, Sybriea Lundy, witnessed a terrifying bear attack on her dogs in her backyard. The encounter raised safety concerns amidst the rising bear population in the community. Lundy had to pay over $3,400 in veterinary bills for her injured pets, highlighting the risks residents face from wildlife encounters. Experts advise homeowners to be vigilant and reduce attractants to avoid similar incidents.
Asheville – An Asheville resident, Sybriea Lundy, experienced a frightening incident on Monday, June 9, when three of her dogs were injured in a violent encounter with a black bear in her fenced backyard. The incident has raised concerns about bear encounters in the growing community, especially with the increasing bear population in the area.
Lundy reported that she believes the approximately 300-pound bear climbed a tree in a neighbor’s yard before dropping into her fenced area. Just moments before the chaos began, she had stepped inside her home, initially thinking the commotion outside involved her dogs catching a groundhog. Instead, she discovered that her dogs were engaged in a fight with the bear.
The situation escalated quickly when Lundy’s roommate, Alice Frankenberg, came outside to assist the dogs and encountered the bear face-to-face. The frightening sight forced Frankenberg to retreat back inside the house, while Lundy rushed to rescue her pets. She successfully coaxed the dogs back inside, but not before one, named Sadie, sustained severe injuries, including a torn tongue that required stitches for treatment.
After the encounter, Lundy faced extensive veterinary bills amounting to $3,400 due to the medical care needed for her injured dogs. She shared her concerns about the safety of her children, stating that they will no longer be allowed to play outside unattended, given the risk posed by wildlife like bears.
Ashley Hobbs, a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, confirmed that there has been a noticeable increase in both bear and dog encounters, as well as bear interactions with humans in Asheville compared to a decade ago. This trend serves as a warning to residents who often believe that enclosed backyards are safe havens for their pets. Hobbs emphasized the need for dog owners to be aware of their surroundings and the potential presence of bears.
The rising bear population in Asheville is attributed in part to the accessibility of food sources such as bird feeders and garbage left outside by homeowners. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission advises residents to take proactive measures to minimize attractants to wildlife, as well as to review safety protocols for living in bear territory.
The incident involving Lundy and her dogs has caught the attention of local officials and residents alike, serving as an important reminder of the growing interactions between humans and wildlife in Buncombe County. As the community continues to expand and develop, the cohabitation with wild animals requires constant vigilance and awareness for the safety of both pets and people.
In conclusion, the encounter experienced by Lundy emphasizes the necessity for Asheville residents to consider their surroundings carefully and take steps to mitigate risks associated with rising bear populations in the area. Education around living safely alongside wildlife is critical for ensuring the well-being of families and pets in the region.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Dogs Fight Black Bear in Fenced Yard
- Live Now Fox: Mama Black Bear Spotted with Cubs
- Spectrum Local News: Black Bear Sightings in North Carolina
- ABC11: Bear Cub Released Back to Wild
- USA Today: Man in Bear Suit Scares Off Real Bear
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
