In a distressing incident captured on April 16, a group in North Carolina received widespread attention for their irresponsible actions. Outside an apartment complex in Buncombe County, individuals were spotted taking bear cubs from a tree to take photos with them. The troubling scene, broadcasted by ABC11 partner WLOS, depicted the reckless act as they posed with the defenseless cubs.
Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, shared the troubling aftermath. Upon responding to the distress call, Hobbs discovered a lone cub left behind, wet and trembling. While physically unharmed, the emotional toll was palpable.
Swift rescue efforts were initiated to ensure the cub’s safety and well-being. However, the incident raises poignant questions about human-wildlife interactions. Hobbs, alongside conservationists like Jody Williams of Help Asheville Bears, condemned the actions as a stark display of ignorance and selfishness.
The disturbing incident involved a group in North Carolina being caught attempting to take bear cubs from a tree for a photo opportunity on April 16. The incident was captured by ABC11 partner WLOS, showing individuals outside an apartment complex in Buncombe County, removing the cubs from the tree and posing with them. Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, responded to the distress call and found a solitary cub left behind, damp and shivering. Despite being physically unharmed, the emotional impact was evident.
Efforts were quickly put in place to rescue and safeguard the cub’s well-being. However, the incident emphasized the need for better human-wildlife interactions. Hobbs, together with advocates like Jody Williams of Help Asheville Bears, denounced the actions as a clear display of ignorance and selfishness.
