As North Carolinians work to recover after the deadly and damaging impacts of Hurricane Helene, members of the animal kingdom are doing the same thing. That has included yellow jackets and bees swarming after their nests were destroyed. It’s also drawing a hungry species, in the midst of its bulking season, closer to people.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says it’s seeing an increased number of human-bear interactions in hard-hit Asheville and Buncombe County. One of the main reasons is that local government services, like trash pickup, have been impacted, as has infrastructure like roadways. Damaged homes and businesses may also have rotting food on site. All of this is causing more trash and human food to be available around homes, which means black bears and their strong sniffers are investigating – and eating – closer to people.

Black bears eat a variety of vegetation – including berries, fruits, nuts, and flowering plants – and meat. Insects are also on the menu. However, they have a scavenger streak, as well, and will eat carrion when they find it, as well as food, scraps, and garbage with food remnants that humans happen to leave out. Unfortunately, this is also causing issues for people planning to donate food to those in need.

A blog from the Wildlife Resources Commission says, “If possible, please don’t leave out unattended food donations. Those food donations are critically needed, but if left outside unattended, will be scavenged by bears and other wildlife.”

Black bears are especially hungry in early autumn, as well. They spend this stretch bulking up ahead of winter denning. At this time of year, they may forage for up to 20 hours a day to prepare.

The commission offered some tips for residents to limit interactions with these hungry bears, including the usual closing and latching of doors and windows (that aren’t damaged), putting padlocks on outdoor fridges and freezers, and securing food and garbage. However, that last one is a bit tricky, as trash pickup in Asheville and Buncombe County is still not back to full operation. Many roads are still inaccessible.

For those who are unable to reach a drop off location, or who can’t be reached by garbage trucks on their routes, officials say keeping trash in a shed, garage, or other indoor area is the best bet. That is, if you don’t have bear-proof garbage bins.

We’re continuing our work to provide essential aid to residents – and their pets - in these heavily impacted areas. If you’d like to help, click below!