There’s a common saying that you might here from time to time in outdoor circles: “a fed bear is a dead bear.” When people feed any type of bear the animals can get used to the concept of human sourced food, so they start looking specifically for it. When this happens, bears often wind up less fearful of humans and become more unpredictable and dangerous.
If a bear is habituated and it attacks a person, there’s a good chance the bear will have to be euthanized to prevent further incidents. That’s why the phrase “a fed bear is a dead bear” exists. In this case, a black bear was stealing some food from a restaurant when an employee walked into the back door, startling the animal and causing it to swipe at the woman.
Whether it was staff or customers, the crew behind the camera were all too comfortable with the bear in the restaurant. If a black bear approaches you, you should act agressive towards the animal. Talk loudly but in a calm manner, wave your arms at it, and make yourself appear as large as possible. Don’t scream or make sudden movements, and do your best to avoid startling the animal. The employee, though it clearly wasn’t her fault, startled the bear. That’s likely why it swiped at her. Maybe nobody knew she was there, but if they did, someone definitely should have alerted her.
Fatal black bear attacks or very uncommon, but they can happen. Just because these animals aren’t as intimidating as grizzly bears doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. Remember: A fed bear is a dead bear!
National Park Service on Protecting Bears:
- Do not feed bears or other wildlife.
- Do not approach within 50 yards or any distance that disturbs a bear.
- Store all food items.
All food, coolers, utensils, cook stoves and other food items must be stored out of sight in a closed vehicle. Never leave food or coolers unattended (even for a minute!) - Keep your area clean.
Pick up food scraps and dispose of all garbage, including fruit rinds and cores, in a secure trash can or dumpster. Close the lid after depositing your trash. Do not place trash outside of an overflowing dumpster or trash can. - Report bear incidents.If you see another visitor breaking these rules, or encounter a bear in a picnic area or campground, or in any other developed area, please call (828) 298-2491 or stop at a Visitor Center to report it.