News Summary
Residents of Asheville were treated to an adorable spectacle as a mother black bear and her four playful cubs were captured on video engaging in lighthearted antics. Filmed by local residents, the bear, known as Amy, explored her surroundings and offered a delightful view of nature’s charm. As fall approaches, the increased activity of black bears serves as a reminder for residents to coexist responsibly with wildlife.
Asheville, NC — A charming display of nature was captured on video as a mama black bear and her four playful cubs entertained residents in Asheville. The footage, filmed by local resident Taylor McConnell on Thursday afternoon, showcases the bear attempting to understand the mechanics of a hammock, swaying back and forth while her lively cubs frolicked around her.
In a separate video recorded by David Oppenheimer, the mother bear, known as Amy, was seen leading her rambunctious cubs through his backyard where they climbed trees and explored their surroundings. Oppenheimer noted in a YouTube caption that the bears appeared to be “the newest little adventurers of Asheville.”
Mama Bear Amy, a familiar face in the Asheville area for over six years, recently returned to her neighborhood with her new litter after a brief absence. The joyous antics of the bear family were further highlighted as they ventured outdoors during the evening hours. This lighthearted scene of animal behavior contrasts with other instances of bear encounters in North Carolina, reminding residents of the wildlife in their midst.
As fall approaches, black bears are becoming more active in the region as they enter the hyperphagia phase, a time when they increase food intake in preparation for winter hibernation. This heightened activity can sometimes lead to more bear-human interactions. Wildlife biologist Ashley Hobbs noted that bears are adaptable to changing environments, having observed minimal impact on the bear population in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
It is important for residents to coexist peacefully with these wildlife inhabitants, as bears can easily associate humans with food sources when proper precautions are not taken. To minimize bear attraction, residents are advised to keep bird feeders indoors and secure their trash. Such practices can help maintain a safe distance between bears and human habitats, thus ensuring safety for both parties.
Earlier incidents in bear encounters have highlighted the significance of responsible wildlife management. One bear cub, for instance, was rescued from a tree in Asheville after becoming stranded and later released back into the wild following rehabilitation. The cub was fitted with a tracking collar to monitor its reintegration into its natural environment. Conversely, another cub from the same incident remained unrecovered, emphasizing the risks of improper handling of wildlife.
Officials from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission stress to the public the importance of not attempting to rescue bear cubs as it may lead to orphaning or injury. Typically, the mother bear is foraging for food nearby when her cubs are seen alone, emphasizing the need for caution and respect for wildlife behavior.
The recent videos from Asheville not only capture the joyful essence of these bears but also serve as a reminder to residents to be vigilant and responsible when it comes to wildlife encounters. As black bears continue to thrive in the region, understanding their behavior and habitat needs will be essential for peaceful coexistence in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Mama Bear Relaxing in Hammock
- WBTV: Bear Cub Rescued and Released
- News Channel 9: Wildlife Commission on Bear Cub Interaction
- WRAL: Asheville Bear Cub Selfie
- Wikipedia: Black Bear
