Negligently Feeding or Attracting Bears Temporary Rule Change
Proposed Temporary Rule Changes
15A NCAC 10A .1503 Negligently Feeding or Attracting Bears
Explanation:
The proposed rule prohibits the feeding of black bears as well as the placement of food or food products that attract black bears in Buncombe County. The prohibition does not apply to the legitimate feeding of birds, pets, or livestock, nor does it apply to the lawful placement of bait when hunting any game animal, unless any of these activities create a situation with the potential for injury or death to humans or domestic animals or cause property damage.
Justification:
The incidental and purposeful feeding of black bears in Buncombe County has directly affected their behavior and given rise to a significant increase in negative human-bear interactions. These include bears forcing entry into homes and injuring residents.
The Commission adopted an identical emergency version of this rule on Oct 1, 2026. Concurrent temporary rulemaking is a requirement of an emergency rule. The proposed temporary rule was submitted to OAH at the same time as the emergency rule but moves through a different process that includes public comment and a public hearing. The public comment period is open until Nov 6th and a public hearing is scheduled for Oct 21st (details below). The Wildlife Resources Commission will review public comments and consider adoption of the temporary rule at their December 2026 meeting.
Proposed Rule Text: 10A .1503 Negligently Feeding or Attracting Bears
Public Hearing Information:
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Ferguson Auditorium, 19 Tech Dr, Asheville, NC 28801
Submit a Comment:
- Online
- Email (please include name, county, and state of residence)
- Mail written comments to: Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701
Public Comment Period Ends: November 6, 2026