A disturbing incident in Buncombe County, North Carolina, has gone viral, sparking outrage online.
On social media, a video captured the moment showed a group of tourists pulling bear cubs from trees for selfies with them, leaving viewers stunned.
The incident raises the importance of responsible wildlife interaction.
On April 16th, a group of six people were filmed near an apartment complex harassing bear cubs.
The video has the caption: "People in North Carolina were left in shock when they caught video of a group of people pulling bear cubs from a tree to take selfies."
The video shows them pulling the cubs out of a tree to take pictures. One cub is even dropped in the process.
In the footage, one member of the group reaches up into the tree and plucks a cub from its spot to pose for selfies.
Below the video, the group of tourists was criticized by viewers. The incident has ignited outrage on social media, with people condemning the group's selfishness and ignorance.
Some even suggest that this behavior highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and avoiding dangerous interactions.
One person said: If the mama bear had acted like a bear, they would have killed the bear and the idiots wouldn't be punished at all.
A second wrote: Too bad Mama Bear wasn't around to show her gratitude to those citizens for handling her cubs.
While a third commented: They need to be charged. Idiots like that won't learn anything from being spoken to
Another added: I'm just as angry at the authorities who did not charge them, as I am at the people taking selfies.
Someone else said: And a parent that protects their babies from harm is put to death. Mad world.
Concerned citizens alerted authorities, who arrived at the scene to find only one remaining cub. Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, was called in to assist.
The condition of the bear cub after being pulled from the tree by the group of tourists to take a 'selfie' with them.
The lone cub was found cold and wet and has been placed in a rehabilitation facility. Wildlife officials believe the cub likely experienced a traumatic ordeal.
Wildlife experts like Jody Williams, founder of Help Asheville Bears, criticized the group for their actions.
They suggested the dangers of separating cubs from their mothers and the potential consequences for both the cubs and the people involved.
The incident is still under investigation.
Watching the video below:
