The following information comes to ATC from the U.S. Forest Service via the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club:
A large, food-conditioned bear has been determined to pose a threat to people in the vicinity of Blood Mountain. The bear will be euthanized by the Department of Natural Resources. The A.T. over Blood Mountain will be closed for a few days while this operation is taking place. The Freeman Trail will remain open and is to be used as an alternative. Signs and personnel will be placed at Bird Gap and Flatrock Gap to notify hikers. The dates of this closure have not yet been determined.
For tips on staying safe from bears in the backcountry, go to www.appalachiantrail.org/healthandsafety.
For other trail updates, go to www.appalachiantrail.org/updates.
Laurie Potteiger
ATC