Public Safety · Buncombe County
Buncombe County Bear-Feeding Ban in Effect; Public Hearing Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
A temporary ban on feeding black bears took effect Monday in Buncombe County, NC, after the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission received more than 800 bear-activity reports since May 1, resulting in five pet deaths and two resident injuries. The rule targets food used to attract bears; ordinary bird feeding is not automatically a violation, with intent being the determining factor. Violations carry Class 3 misdemeanor penalties including fines and court costs. A public hearing on making the rule permanent is set for Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech. If approved by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission's Board of Commissioners, the rule would become permanent in January.