Bear encounter closes Graveyard Fields camping

The U.S. Forest Service is temporarily closing the Graveyard Fields Area to overnight camping. Issued in consultation with the N.C. Wildlife Commission, the popular area off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County, about 40 miles southwest of Asheville, has been implemented due to human safety concerns after a bear entered a tent and removed a hiker's backpack.

No injuries were reported.

The U.S. Forest Service will monitor the area over the next few weeks to determine when to reopen the area to overnight camping. The area remains open for day use.

"In springtime bears are opportunistically looking for food that campers and trail users bring on their trips," said Pisgah District Ranger Derek Ibarguen.

"Black bear attacks on people are rare but when we do have encounters we do our best to break the cycle of success so the bears do not become habituated to humans - protecting both our visitors and the bears."

The U.S. Forest Service is requiring overnight campers to use bear canisters in the adjacent areas of Shining Rock Wilderness, Black Balsam, Sam's Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Areas. Numerous reports have been received of bears acquiring food from backcountry campers in this area. Use of bear canisters will reduce the bear's success and enhance visitor safety.

All bear canisters must be commercially made; constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears.

Be 'Bear Aware'

Do not Store Food in Tents

Properly Store Food by Using a bear proof container

Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills, or other areas of your campsite

Do not leave food unattended

For more information visitors are encouraged to call the Pisgah Ranger District at (828) 877-3265.

For tips, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r8/recreation/safety-ethics.