Asheville’s “Selfie Bear” Rescued and Released Back into the Wild

Asheville Welcomes Back Its “Selfie Bear”!

Asheville, a picturesque city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is buzzing with excitement after a story that has captured hearts near and far. This year, a tiny bear cub, affectionately dubbed _“selfie bear”_, went viral after an attention-grabbing incident that had many talking — and it wasn’t just about the cuteness overload!

The Viral Moment

The adventure began when a group of well-meaning folks spotted the little female bear cub stuck in a tree at an apartment complex in Asheville. Armed with smartphones, they couldn’t resist the urge to snap a few selfies while pulling the bear from her precarious perch. Videos of the event quickly spread across social media, triggering a wave of interest and concern. While many were enchanted by the bear’s fluffy adorableness, others were worried about her safety. It was quite the candid moment, but not without its repercussions.

A Quick Rescue

Fortunately for “selfie bear,” the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) swung into action almost immediately. After the initial selfies were shared, the bear was rescued from a nearby retention pond, where she was spotted after her release from the tree. The cub was taken to a state-licensed rehabilitation facility, where she received much-needed care.

Growing Up and Healing

Sadly, it wasn’t just a solo excursion for the little one. During the same video, viewers saw a second cub, presumed to be her sibling, darting away in fear. Unfortunately, this sibling was never found. As the days passed, the team worked diligently to help “selfie bear” recover and grow stronger. Typically, animals rescued from the wild aren’t given names, but this cub’s experience made her an exception to that rule, and the name “selfie bear” stuck.

A Happy Ending

After weeks of rehabilitation, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. “Selfie bear” was finally ready to return to her home in the wild. Before her grand send-off, she was fitted with a tracking collar, ensuring that the wildlife experts could monitor her movements as she made her big comeback.

And what a comeback it was! “The GPS collar data shows that she is adjusting well to life back in the wild,” mentioned NCWRC Bearwise Coordinator, Ashley Hobbs. How heartwarming it is to know that she is adapting just as nature intended!

Forest Friends: Not Just Any Bear

While it seems rather common to spot a bear cub wandering around alone, it’s actually rarely the case that they are orphaned. More often than not, mama bear is nearby, taking care of business while her cub explores its surroundings. This is something that both wildlife officials and orange-hat-wearing mountain dwellers alike need to remember. Colleen Olfenbuttel, NCWRC’s Game Mammals and Surveys Supervisor, warns against intervening: “People who try to capture or handle a cub are not only risking the cub’s safety, but their own if the mother bear is nearby, as she may try to defend her cubs.”

Be Bear-Aware

The story of “selfie bear” has sparked important conversations around wildlife interactions and our responsibilities toward our furry neighbors. As Asheville residents—and visitors!—swipe through their phones, let’s remind ourselves that respecting wild animals and their habitats is crucial. Feeding or trying to approach bears can make them lose their natural instincts, bringing them too closely to human activities, which could lead to dangerous situations for both parties involved. “Last year, an orphaned cub was repeatedly approached and fed by people, and despite our rehabilitators’ best efforts, the cub was too habituated to be successfully released back in the wild,” explained Olfenbuttel.

Final Thoughts

The story of “selfie bear” may have begun with a fleeting moment of excitement for the people of Asheville, but it teaches an invaluable lesson about wildlife awareness. The little cub has made peace with her past and is now forging a bright future in the wild. So the next time you see a bear cub, remember to *snap a picture* from a distance, and keep your interactions in check—you want to ensure every bear has the chance to roam free and thrive!