Tourists in North Carolina have found themselves in hot water after they were spotted taking black bear cubs out of a tree for a photo opportunity.
The footage, recorded on Tuesday, reveals approximately six people at a Buncombe County apartment complex pulling three frightened black bear cubs from a tree over a fence, as reported by ABC 13 News.
Throughout the video, several individuals are observed posing with the cubs, with one person even dropping one while attempting to hold it.
Another cub is seen desperately fleeing from the group, attempting to retreat over the fence.
Local authorities were alerted, prompting the intervention of North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission special projects biologist Ashley Hobbs.
Hobbs, upon viewing the video of the three cubs, discovered only one remaining upon arrival at the scene.
"We did follow up with the people who pulled the bear out of the tree," Hobbs informed the outlet.
"We did confront them on site that day and let them know how irresponsible and potentially deadly it could be for that cub to be separated from its mom, especially ripped out of a tree like that."
Hobbs highlighted the rarity of a mother bear leaving her cubs unattended in a tree during this season, noting the lone cub appeared very wet and cold, likely having been left alone for an extended period.
With the cub isolated from its siblings and removed by humans, the experience left the young animal visibly shaken.
“We do think that the bear probably had a pretty traumatic experience,” Hobbs expressed to the outlet.
The cub was subsequently transported to a rehabilitation facility for assessment and eventual release back into the wild.
While no severe harm was inflicted, Hobbs emphasized the disturbing nature of the video.
“It is frustrating to see people be that irresponsible around wildlife because it is a blessing that we get to live in the mountains around these creatures.”
Although such blatant disregard for wildlife is uncommon, Hobbs hopes the incident serves as an educational opportunity for those involved.
Jody Williams, founder of Help Asheville Bears, echoed similar sentiments upon viewing the video, expressing dismay at the recklessness displayed.
“All for a selfie, all for a selfie,” Williams remarked to the outlet.
“It’s just ignorance, total selfishness, this is not what we talk about when we talk about co-existing.”
Williams emphasized the importance of wildlife education for those residing near bear habitats, stressing the necessity of understanding proper behavior, including refraining from approaching bear cubs.
The US National Park Service advises individuals encountering bears in the wild to maintain distance and avoid startling them, whether they are cubs or adults.
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