Archived Outdoors

Gorges campground closed after bear encounter

Written by
Wednesday, November 08, 2023
Campers woke up Nov. 12 to find their RV severely damaged by a bear. N.C. State Parks photo Campers woke up Nov. 12 to find their RV severely damaged by a bear. N.C. State Parks photo

The campground at Gorges State Park in Transylvania County is closed through Nov. 16 after a bear attacked an RV last week. 

A photo that N.C. State Parks and Recreation posted to its Facebook page Nov. 2, the morning after the encounter, shows the siding ripped off of the bottom half of the trailer. Park staff are working to implement bear aversion tactics, and the plan includes a two-week closure for the campground. Reservations will be canceled and refunded.

While the campground is closed, the park remains open. Visitors should follow safety measures such as not hiking alone, keeping pets leashed, and packing out or disposing of all trash and food. For more information about staying safe in bear country, visit bearwise.org.

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