Community Calls for Improved Bear Management in Asheville
Asheville residents expressed their concerns at a recent City Council meeting, emphasizing the need for enhanced strategies to handle bear-human interactions in the area. The conversation comes after a bear, known as Dolly, entered a home and injured a woman, prompting state officials to reconsider their approach to wildlife management.
Initially, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) planned to “capture and humanely dispatch” the bear and its cubs. However, after significant public advocacy led by Hannah Furgiele, which included a petition with over 21,500 signatures, the state decided to house Dolly temporarily at the North Carolina Zoo if captured. Furgiele’s efforts highlighted a community-driven push for more sustainable solutions.
Furgiele, addressing the Council, emphasized the importance of systemic changes, stating, “If we don’t have real systemic and infrastructural shifts I think we’re going to keep hearing the same story in Asheville.” Liz Thompson, another resident, urged the city to be proactive in conservation efforts, asking, “Are we going to be proud, pioneering conservationists or will we be known as a city that immediately euthanizes its wildlife because we fail to provide the necessary resources, infrastructure and options to handle the issues humanely?”
Janice Riordan, also from North Asheville, pointed out the high number of bear-related incidents in the region. Data from Ashley Hobbs, a biologist with the NCWRC, showed that Buncombe County accounts for more than a third of wildlife-related calls in the state, with over 250 bear intrusions into homes since 2017.
Residents suggested practical measures like increasing awareness about securing food and garbage and establishing zones requiring bear-resistant trash solutions. Despite these suggestions, no immediate action was taken by the Council.
Concerns Over East Asheville Cliff Stability
In addition to bear-related discussions, the City Council was urged to address safety issues concerning a cliff along Azalea Road. Ann Sensibaugh, a resident of the ViewPointe community, described how the cliff, damaged by Tropical Storm Helene, poses a public safety risk as debris frequently falls onto the road.
Sensibaugh explained that repair costs for the 42-home community range from $3.5 million to $7.8 million, with cliff stabilization being a significant expense. Mayor Esther Manheimer acknowledged the complexity of the situation due to the cliff’s proximity to public right-of-way and suggested further meetings with city staff to explore solutions.
For more details, video footage of the City Council meeting is available here, and supporting documents can be found here. The next Council meeting is scheduled for October 13 at City Hall.
