The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is warning residents of Western North Carolina about potential bear-human conflicts following Tropical Storm Helene. While there have been no reports of bear attacks, an increase in bear sightings could lead to problems as bears may gain easy access to homes damaged by the storm. Only one bear has been reported possibly injured, but there have been no deaths reported. Bears are known for their adaptability during storms, and there is no shortage of natural food sources for them. The commission advises against offering food to bears under any circumstances. There is a concern that bears may be attracted to human feces left outdoors during water outages and sewage issues in WNC. The BearWise consortium offers tips on how to stay safe from bears, including keeping windows and doors closed and latched, securing food, garbage, and recycling, and adding bear-resistant measures to trash cans. If bear behavior needs to be reported, residents can contact the NC Wildlife Helpline. Overall, residents are advised to take precautions to prevent attracting bears, including properly storing food and using makeshift outdoor toilets.
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