Mission Statement

"To seek ways to maintain and improve the quality

of life, preserve the natural beauty and promote

responsible growth while maintaining our

community image, heritage and traditions."

 [ BACK ]

 

Montreat is Black Bear Country

 

 

Bears are wild animals that demand your respect. Prevent bear problems and “problem bears” by acting responsibly.

Remember:  PROBLEM BEARS ARE NOT BORN; THEY ARE CREATED!

NEVER APPROACH OR FEED BEARS!

Handle your food and garbage properly and stay alert. Behaving responsibly in bear country will help to protect you and the bears. Bears are an important part of the ecosystem and are worthy of continued protection. For many people, seeing a bear is a highlight of their visit to Montreat.

TIPS FOR HIKING SAFELY

Hike in a group, and make loud noises, whistle, talk or carry a noise-maker such as bells or a can containing stones. Most bears will leave if they are aware of your presence. Use extra caution when traveling near rushing water or into the wind. The rushing water may mask your noise-maker and traveling into the wind will prevent the bear from getting your scent and being aware of your presence. Stay in the open as much as possible. Keep children close at hand on trails.

BEARS FEEL THREATENED IF SURPRISED

Use caution when near natural bear foods, such as berries, nuts, and fish. These are important sources of food to bears. Bears are attracted to areas where berries, nuts or fish are in season. Try to avoid these areas during these times.

Stay away from dead animals. A dead animal is a concentrated food source and bears will aggressively defend it.

Watch for bear signs! Tracks, fresh diggings and droppings can be an indication that a bear is in the area.

Leave your dog at home. A dog often infuriates a bear and may bring on an attack. Your pet may come running back to you with the bear in pursuit!

Bear resistant containers: Research and documented studies have shown that these specially designed containers have reduced the numbers of human/bear incidents. Proper food storage though is still necessary when in bear country.

Chemical bear repellents or bear spray contain capsicum, a derivative of cayenne pepper, which when delivered to an animal’s face causes immediate irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. However, because of wind and other circumstances of an attack, the spray cannot be considered an absolute guarantee of safety. Despite the limitations, reports have credited the spray with saving lives.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BEAR

Despite taking all precautions, you may still encounter a bear.

  • Keep calm. The best way to keep calm is to be prepared, and know how you will respond if you encounter a bear. Make a wide detour or retreat from the area. Leaving the area is the safest thing to do, if you cannot make a detour or retreat, wait until the bear moves from your path. Always leave the bear an escape route.
  • Do not run. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse. You cannot outrun a bear and running may trigger an attack. Back slowly away from the bear, facing it and talking in a soft voice.
  • The bear may approach. Bears may approach to get a better look at you or rear up on its hind legs and wave its nose in the air trying to obtain your scent. Continue backing away slowly and talking in a soft voice. Dropping a pack or object may help to distract the bear.
  • Watch for aggressive behavior. This includes snapping its jaws together, making a “whoofing” sound or keeping its head down with ears laid back. This may lead to an attack. The majority of attacks come when a bear is surprised, particularly if it is a female with cubs. Back away speaking softly; never run.
  • If an attack occurs: Playing dead is not appropriate with black bears. Try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building. Climbing a tree may be effective, but remember that the bear may climb up the tree after you. If the bear does not break off the charge, you should act aggressively by yelling and waving your arms to distract and intimidate the bear. If this fails, try to fight back using any object available. Bear spray may be effective.