From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A temporary bear-feeding ban in Buncombe County took effect on Oct. 19, following a surge in dangerous human-bear encounters.

Key details of the rule are as follows:

• The ban: The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission emergency rule prohibits intentionally or negligently feeding black bears or placing food and attractants that draw them, including unsecured trash.

• Exemptions: Ordinary bird feeding, pet feeding, and livestock feeding are generally allowed unless wildlife officers determine they create a direct safety risk or property damage.

• Timeline: The temporary rule took effect on Oct. 19 (matching an emergency rule adopted on Oct. 1). A public comment period remains open through Nov. 6 — and the NCWRC will consider making the rule permanent during its December meeting.

Reasons for why the ban was implemented include the following:

• High incident numbers: Between May 1 and Sept. 30, wildlife officials recorded 836 bear activity incidents in Buncombe County — accounting for roughly 40 percent of all bear incidents statewide. The incidents occurred primarily in Asheville, Black Mountain, and Swannanoa.

• Home break-ins: Bears entered homes 71 times during this period.

• Safety risks: Encounters resulted in five pet fatalities, two pet injuries and two human injuries. 

Individuals can submit public feedback on the rule through Nov. 6 by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it — or  visit online via the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website at www.NCWildlife.gov.