Trail Guide

TRAIL GUIDE

BEARS AT RIDGE HAVENThe Black Bear is the only species of bear

living in the mountains of Western North

Carolina. Black Bears are usually shy and try

to avoid human contact and are not normally

agressive toward people.

IF YOU SEE A BEARIF YOU SEE A BEARRemain watchful and DO NOT approach it. If

your presence causes the bear to change its

behavior, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE. Don’t run

away, just back away slowly, watching the

bear.

IfIf the bear starts running toward you,

making loud noises, or swatting the ground,

it is signalling that it needs more space. Try

to increase the distance between you and

the bear. The bear will probably do the same.

If the bear comes toward you and continues

to follow you, make yourself look as large as

possible.possible. Throw NON-food objects such as

rocks at the bear, or use a deterrent such as

a stout stick. Do not run or turn away from

the bear. Don’t leave food for the bear as

this encourages further problems.

215 RIDGE HAVEN ROADBREVARD, NC 28712

PHONE: 828-862-3916TOLL FREE: 877-862-3916FAX: 828-884-6988EMAIL: [email protected]: www.ridgehaven.orgWEB: www.ridgehaven.org

RIDGE HAVEN CONFERENCEAND RETREAT CENTER

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