Today the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Board of Commissioners approved an emergency rule that prohibits both intentional and passive feeding of black bears in Buncombe County, in efforts to reduce repeated incidents involving humans and bears. The language is not intended to prohibit bird feeding nor is it intended to prohibit the use of legal bait for the purposes of regulated hunting, unless those actions pose a threat to human safety or result in property damage.
Topics Related to Law Enforcement
On August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the Chatham County Justice Center in Pittsboro, North Carolina, defendant Quinten Kight, appeared before Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour for sentencing. Kight pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder (Class B2 Felony), Felony Boating While Impaired involving Serious Injury (Class F Felony), Felony Boating While Impaired Resulting in Death (Class D Felony), Careless and Reckless Operation of a Motorboat (Class 2 Misdemeanor) and Boating While Impaired (Class 2 Misdemeanor) for the death of 10‑year‑old Brooklyn Carroll and the injuries suffered by Mrs.
Summer for many people means spending time with friends and family on the water boating, swimming, fishing or just being outdoors. Last August, the Carroll family and their friends were doing just that on Shearon Harris Lake in Chatham County. Some members of the group were cooling off in the water near their anchored boat when an alcohol‑impaired operator sped toward them. The propeller struck 10‑year‑old Brooklyn Carroll and an adult family friend. Brooklyn tragically died from her injuries, and the other victim had a leg amputated due to the severity of their wounds.
Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the busy boating and summer travel season. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is encouraging safe boating practices and reminding the public of the dangers of operating a water vessel while impaired.
On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive is a public safety campaign aimed at reducing alcohol and drug-related incidents on the roadways and waterways.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division has sworn in 23 new wildlife law enforcement officers graduating from the agency’s 61st Basic Academy training.