Bears on the MST in AVL

[Chris_Asheville]

Hey y'all,

Just wanted to share this story with you. Last night, about 6:45 I was hiking along the Mountains-to-Sea trail just south of Hendersonville Rd. (25) with my two pups. It was a bit overcast and really quiet, we didn't see anyone along the trail for a mile or so. As we turned a corner, I heard something scatter about 15 feet away, when I looked over it was a really good size black bear tromping through the leaves. It was awesome. He/she ran about 50 feet, stopped and turned around and looked at me, then hung around for a few minutes. About 50 yards up the trail I heard something on the left side of the trail. it was another! My dogs were curious and went to check out the noise. They got pretty close and retreated back to me. The two bears were nervous and started to make their way across the parkway, but not before I got several more glimpses of them.
I was totally excited. I've been hiking around WNC for a little over two years now and finally saw bears. What a day!
:banana:banana

[canoehead]

Good stuff

[See Bee]

Thanks for the info. I'll stay near 74 and the Folk Art Center.

[Phreak]

Nice! I hiked 300 miles of the MST last Spring and didn't see a single bear.

[Chip]

Hi Chris,

Not trying to rain on your parade, but you might want to keep your dogs on a leash. Buncombe County has a leash law , be careful , a close call with a bear could mean a nasty or fatal injury for your dogs.

I have seen alot of wildlife this summer. Turkeys, a Red Fox, some Deer, all in neighborhood yards. I think the drought and no rain has alot to do with this as animals are looking for food. Also alot of new development of homes and businesses have moved in on wildlife habitat in the south Asheville area.

Happy Trails,
Chip