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LAKE JAMES, N.C. — A Burke County woman claims she recently had a close encounter with a black bear while she practiced yoga near Lake James, WSOC reported.

Kristen Jones said she was facing the lake with her ear buds in when the bear came up behind her and sniffed and licked her before walking away.

Jones said that she was sitting next to the water watching the sunrise when she felt something sniff at her neck and then lick the bottom part of her ear.

Thinking it was her neighbor’s dog, she said she reached up with her right arm to hug the animal, and startled it.

As she turned to look at it and say hello she realized it was a bear.

Jones said the animal had already turned away and started up the hill before she was able to snap off some photos and shoot a quick video.

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