North Carolina mountain residents report more black bear encounters

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — People in the North Carolina mountains are having more black bear encounters.

Residents in the Asheville area said they have even sighted bears in their yards.

Officials said black bears can be dangerous, but only if provoked.

"What we see is moms with young cubs protecting their cubs at any cost," Chris Gentile from the WNC Nature Center said.

Wildlife experts said the bear population is growing.

If you see one, officials said to leave them alone, do not leave trash out, and do not leave food on your grill.

Cox Media Group