"Visitors' Bear Interactions Lead to Closure of Blue Ridge Parkway Section"

An eight-mile section of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway has been closed after visitors were caught feeding and attempting to hold a young bear. The closure aims to ensure the safety of both the bear and park visitors. Bears are more likely to seek human food during the fall months as they prepare for hibernation. The National Park Service has urged visitors and residents to keep food out of sight and follow bear safety tips.