North Asheville Resident Encounters Bear Inside Home, Prompts Safety Measures
A north Asheville resident, Whit Alexander, discovered a black bear inside her home via her security camera. The incident occurred on August 18, prompting immediate concern for her pets. Upon returning home, Alexander found her dogs safe but the bear still present, which she then ushered out. This event follows a separate incident where a bear injured another north Asheville resident. Alexander's neighbors have also reported recent bear encounters, including one instance where a bear entered a neighbor's porch and accessed dog treats. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has advised residents to take measures to deter bears, such as securing trash and pet food and removing bird feeders when bears are active. Alexander's family has since stopped using their doggy door and has placed 'unwelcome mats'—plywood slabs with nails—on their back deck as a deterrent. 
