Asheville, North Carolina
Chris Jaquette and Simon Thompson
We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
Asheville, North Carolina
1997 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: (828) 687-9433
Fax: (828) 676-0838
Email: Send Message
Store Hours:
Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Sun: 12:00 am - 5:00 pm
Living in Bear Country!
Whether we like it or not, we are sharing our little part of nature with Black Bears. In order to prevent surprises and attacks we need to understand them, learn to live with them and respect that they have the right to live here too.
There are several reasons that encounters with these magnificent animals have become more prevalent, including the following:
1. Their population is increasing rapidly throughout North America with a 30% increase between 1988 and 1995. Their numbers rose from around 250,000 animals in the mid 1980's to around 450,000 in the mid 1990's. And this is despite hunting in many states, although I have heard this is a declining "sport". By now it may be almost 600,000 and it continues to grow. Also Black Bears are spreading back into states from which they have been extirpated.
2. We, as an urban society, are spreading more and more into 
forested habitats, especially here in the Southern Appalachians. We are building homes in what were pristine forests and cutting down vast tracts of woodland in order to build golf courses and other commercial "developments". This is prime wildlife habitat, so is it any wonder that bears are coming into closer contact with people.
In other words, we need to adapt our living to cope with bears around our property and these are some things we can do.
- Only taking our garbage out immediately prior to pick-up
- Taking your bird feeders down before dusk and replacing them after dawn
- Keep barbecues clean at all times
- Do not leave bird or pet food outside
- Keep our compost free from animal products or waste; use lime and turn regularly
Here at the Asheville Wild Birds Unlimited store we are committed to safe bird feeding as well as being bear aware in all aspects of our living and bird and wildlife watching activities.
In the near future we will be meeting with local Asheville government officials and talking to them about becoming a "Bear Aware" community. We are also planning to hold "Bear Aware" seminars and programs here at the store. Contact us for more information and details.
