Black bear are plentiful on and around campus. While we can, and often do, live harmoniously with these furry neighbors, we must act responsiblely and remain vigilant as a community, following the rules that we have in place for a reason. Irresponsible behaviors (crowding or approaching bears, feeding bears, leaving food trash outside, etc.) could not only result in injury to yourself or a community member, but can sometimes result in bears that are so used to humans, and become so habituated that it can get them into trouble. If the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission folks need to get involved because a bear(s) have become dangerous, from our behavior, it could have fatal results for the bear(s), as re-location is not usually a solution. No one wants that ending.

To report irresponsible behavior or an actively dangerous situation happening at the moment, call Public Safety  828-230-4592 (Or first, 911, for serious injuries.)
To report a bear encounter, after the fact, please use this form.

• These reports are critical for our campus to best understand current bear and human interactions on campus.
• If everyone is safely walking away/staying away from a bear and the bear goes on its way or is minding its own business, everyone can just go about their business and fill out the reporting form.
• If you see a bear on main campus, and it doesn’t warrant calling Public Safety, you can also text the location and circumstance, to our office (828-298-3434) just to flag it, especially if they are getting into trash or such. This would be in addition to the form.
  

Below, is helpful information for living around bear, but here are the key points we implore folks to remember:

• Never corner a bear, always give it an escape route.

• If you see a bear, move in the opposite direction immediately. Do not try to slip past it, and definitely do not stop to take pictures.

• Walk with bear spray. It. Works. We know that unfortunately bear spray can be rather expensive (~$40), but it is a worthwhile cost versus your, your pets’, and bears’ safety. The most affordable source we’ve found in the Asheville area is at Sportsman’s Warehouse, however you can find it at any outdoor store.

  BearWISE.org