Black bears are a fact of life in our mountain communities, we have moved into their habitat. It is in our best interest to learn how we can peacefully and safely co-exist with these native animals.
Facts:
- Bears are by nature shy and easily frightened. Do not startle or provoke them, especially if they are with cubs.
- The bears are hungry and looking for food. It is harmful for us to feed the bears as they lose their fear of humans and become a nuisance, if this happens they will be put down. North Carolina does not relocate bears due to their strong homing instinct. Do NOTHING to encourage them into your yard.
Be Proactive:
- Bring your bird feeders in as early as possible.
- Clean your barbecue grill thoroughly after each use.
- Keep trash in your house until the day it is picked up. Bears will smell trash in your garage so spray ammonia around garage door and trash cans, it will deter bears.
- Bear-resistant trash cans are available.
- Keep vehicles locked with no food in them.
Protection:
If you feel threatened by a bear:
- Do not challenge the bear by looking directly into its eyes.
- Do not run. Back away slowly allowing it a path of egress.
If the bear is not deterred by the methods above and is showing signs of aggression:
- Raise both arms above head and make yourself appear as large as possible
- Yell at the bear so it knows you are in charge
- Back away, do not make eye contact
- If bear charges grab anything available and hit bear across the nose.
- Bear mace is very effective, however be careful in its use so it does not affect you also.
Dead or Injured Animals:
If you find a dead or injured animal in Jackson County, please use the folloiwng resources.
Black Bear Carcasses: If you find a dead black bear on your property or on the road, report it to 866-318-2401 so a biologist can be notified. NCDOT may remove dead animals on state-maintained roadways if they pose a traffic hazard.
Removal of dead animals from roads/roadways in Jackson County, North Carolina:
- Public roads and right-of-ways: The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) handles road debris and dead animal removal from state-maintained roads. You can report road debris to them at 1-877-368-4968 or through their website.
- Within town limits (on town roads and sidewalks): The Public Works Department in the specific town is typically responsible. They do not handle removal from private property or wooded areas.
- County roads: The Jackson County Road Department will respond to calls about dead animals along county roads during their working hours (Monday-Thursday, 6:45 AM - 5:15 PM). It's crucial to contact them directly and not 911 for this type of issue.
On Private Property:
- Property owners are responsible for disposing of dead animals on their own property.
- Burying the animal or allowing it to decompose naturally are options, or some cities/counties may offer a curbside pick-up service.
Wildlife: The NC Wildlife Resources Commission does not provide dead animal removal services. However, licensed wildlife control agents can be hired for a fee to remove dead animals.