From Staff Reports 

RALEIGH, N.C. — A new emergency rule approved Oct. 1 by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission makes intentionally or passively feeding black bears in Buncombe County a criminal offense.

The rule prohibits the following:

• Intentional feeding: Deliberately giving food to black bears.

• Passive feeding: Leaving out items that attract bears, such as unsecured trash or outdoor pet food.

• Bird feeders and hunting bait: These are not automatically banned, but they violate the rule if they attract bears and create a safety threat or cause property damage.

• Scope: The rule applies across Buncombe County (with high concentrations of activity in Asheville, Black Mountain, and Swannanoa).

Criminal penalties are as follows:

• First offense: Classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $200.

• Repeated offenses: If repeated within three years, it escalates to a Class 2 misdemeanor, carrying fines up to $1,000.

• Enforcement: Gives state wildlife officers direct jurisdiction to issue warnings or citations. Officials noted that initial enforcement focuses heavily on education and compliance.