Additional Coverage:
- ‘I tried telling them to stop’: Video shows people yank bear cubs from tree for selfie (newsbreak.com)
In a shocking incident captured in Asheville, North Carolina, a group of individuals was filmed engaging in the dangerous activity of extracting black bear cubs from a tree for the sake of selfies, igniting widespread outrage and concern for the animals’ well-being. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has initiated an investigation into the event, which is not only deemed harmful to the young bears but also violates state laws designed to protect wildlife.
The video, which has since spiraled into viral infamy, displays the reckless attempts of these persons to physically handle the bear cubs, with one individual reportedly bitten during the process. A concerned onlooker, witnessing the irresponsible behavior, stepped in to document the scene, resulting in law enforcement’s involvement in the matter.
Subsequently, a special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission discovered one of the cubs in a distressed state—cold, wet, and isolated—with the whereabouts of its sibling still unknown. The found cub is currently receiving care at a rehabilitation facility, where it is being nursed back to health. Staff at the facility have taken this opportunity to educate the public on the critical consequences of human interference with wildlife, particularly bear cubs.
The video has since incited a swift and resounding backlash across social media platforms, with netizens expressing their dismay and calling for strict actions against those involved in the inappropriate handling of the bear cubs. In response to the incident and the broader issue of human encounters with wildlife, authorities have released guidelines advising on the appropriate course of action should one come across bear cubs or suspect them to be orphaned.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the fine balance between human curiosity and the well-being of wildlife, underscoring the importance of respecting nature’s boundaries for the safety of all involved.