Aggressive behavior by cranky bears has caused the U.S. Forest Service to temporarily close all camping along the Appalachian Trail in part of North Carolina.
The ban, covering an area of about 75 miles centered on Asheville, NC, still allows hikers to follow the popular hiking trail, but not to overnight. A press release from the agency explained the “aggressive bear behavior.”
Jen Barnhart, a U.S. Forest Service district ranger said a mother bear and her cubs were stealing people’s backpacks and bear canisters to access food.”
According to the release, “While backpackers are still permitted to hike through the area, all campsites and shelters are off limits, to include the area surrounding Rich Mountain Fire Tower.”
