With spring temperatures taking hold, a common sight around Highlands is once again being reported.
Bears have been seen as recently as Tuesday morning on Oak Street, with additional sightings reported near Highlands Memorial Park, Highlands Plaza, and Lake Sequoyah.
As bears come out of hibernation, and mothers emerge with their cubs, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission is asking residents and visitors to remain vigilant and not create unnecessary bear encounters.
Hibernating bears will emerge from their dens, with mothers and cubs being the last to emerge. The NCWRC reminds the public to never approach or try to handle bear cubs.
“Mother bears will soon be emerging from their den with their cubs that are experiencing the outside world for the first time and are very dependent on their mother to feed and protect them,” said black bear biologist Jenna Malzahn. “People who try to capture or handle a cub are not only risking the cub’s safety, but their own if the mother bear is nearby, as she may try to defend her cubs. Even if you don’t see the mother bear, she could be nearby, and the cubs are waiting for her to return. By trying to capture a bear cub, you may cause it to become orphaned, injured or both.”
Bear cubs seen alone are rarely orphaned or abandoned. Often the mother bear is nearby foraging for food and will return in a few hours. Remaining in the area or attempting to catch the cub could inadvertently separate it from its mother and possibly injure the cub.
The possibility of encountering a bear den exists while hiking along a trail, walking a dog in a neighborhood or hunting. If this occurs, NCWRC’s advises is to remain calm and leave the area quickly and quietly.
Highlands was the first town to become a “BearWise” certified community. Bear encounters in town limits have declined since the town board mandated the use of “bear proof” trashcans, as well as trash can enclosures. All of the trashcans on town-owned property are bear-proof and there are specific requirements for commercial businesses with dumpsters.
It is illegal in North Carolina to capture or keep a black bear cub. The public should contact NCWRC if they encounter a bear cub and suspect it has been orphaned. Do not attempt to capture it. Instead, give the cub plenty of room so its mother has space and time to reconnect with her cub. Take note of your location and call the NC Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401. If after hours or on weekends, call a district wildlife biologist to report the sighting.
NCWRC staff will determine if a cub is orphaned, and if so, are trained to properly and safely capture and transport to one of the agency’s licensed bear cub rehabilitators for immediate care.
“The rehabilitators know the treatments and specialized food needed for cubs during this vulnerable time. Do not trust resources on the internet about feeding and caring for a cub,” Malzahn added. “Instead, call our N.C. Wildlife Helpline immediately.”