Summary: Council will receive a BearWise update recommending expanded access to bear-resistant trash equipment, continued education, and stronger enforcement of wildlife-feeding rules. We welcome prevention efforts and encourage the City to ensure that residents have practical, affordable ways to comply before increasing penalties.

The Facts: City Council will receive a presentation by Ashley Hobbs, Special Projects Biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. She will report on the more than 250 bear entries into Buncombe County homes and 11 human injuries in bear interactions since 2017. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recommends more bear-resistant carts and retrofit options, public outreach, continued enforcement, and higher penalties for feeding bears. This is just a presentation; the supplied materials do not include a specific penalty amendment for adoption.

You can see the presentation slides here.

Our Assessment: Preventing dangerous bear encounters is a positive public safety goal that protects both residents and wildlife. We support education, effective trash storage, and expanded access to bear-resistant equipment.

Our concern is how responsibility would be assigned and enforced if the City pursues stronger penalties. Renters do not control the purchase of City-owned trash containers, the location of shared dumpsters, or the availability of secure storage. Residents may also face financial or physical barriers to following recommended practices. The City should distinguish safety recommendations from enforceable requirements and clarify who would be responsible – and potentially fined – when landlords, property managers, tenants, and other parties control different parts of the solution.

The presentation does not establish that every recommended practice would carry a penalty, and no specific penalty amendment is before Council. As any proposal develops, we encourage clear responsibilities, practical assistance, and enforcement directed toward the party able to correct the problem.

Things to Do: We are not recommending action on this item, but If you feel called to engage, you can write to City Council (ashevillenccouncil@ashevillenc.gov) with your views or questions.

Possible Talking Points for Council Outreach: 

• I support efforts to prevent dangerous bear encounters and expand access to bear-resistant equipment.
• Which practices are recommendations, and which are enforceable requirements?
• For rental properties and shared dumpsters, please clarify which responsibilities belong to landlords, property managers, and tenants – and who could be fined?
• How will the City help residents who face financial or other practical barriers to compliance?