Bears - Friends of Panthertown

National Forests in NC Propose Required Bear Canisters for Overnight Camping on Appalachian Trail and in Panthertown

September 5, 2018 panthertown

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking input on a proposal to require bear resistant food containers for all overnight campers on the Appalachian Trail located on the National Forests in North Carolina and in Panthertown on the Nantahala Ranger District.

Written comments should be submitted by September 19, 2018. Comments can be emailed to comments-southern-north-carolina-nantahala-nantahala@fs.fed.us or mailed to Johnny Wills, Nantahala RD Wildlife Biologist, Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Contact Mr. Wills for more info: 828-524-6411 ext 452

USFS Panthertown Bear Alert: Overnight Campers Should Use Bear Resistant Canisters and Bear Pepper Spray

March 23, 2018 panthertown

Due to an increase in close and serious bear encounters in Panthertown, where campers have had to leave campsites and hikers have retreated from a local trail, the U. S. Forest Service is strongly recommending that back country campers use bear resistant containers for all food and scented items.