It’s not every day you walk across campus and see a mama bear and her two cubs hanging out in the middle of the quad, but that’s exactly what happened this week at UNC Asheville. Students stopped in their tracks, phones came out and for a few minutes the Quad turned into a wildlife viewing area.
While the sight might feel unusual, it’s not out of place. western North Carolina is prime black bear territory and sightings in urban areas have become increasingly common as their population rebounds. For Asheville, sharing space with bears is simply part of living in the Blue Ridge.
These encounters are a reminder that humans and wildlife can and do share the same space. With the right awareness and habits, coexisting safely with bears is not just possible, it’s part of what makes living in this region unique.
What to do if you see a bear on campus:…