NC/TN – Bear Activity – Painter Branch Campsite, 4/3/25
nc
|tn
|bear-activity
|hiking-safety
|Alert
04/03/2025
The ATC received a report of a food-conditioned bear at the Painter Branch Campsite (NOBO mile 244.1). It is likely a juvenile bear, and got into an improperly hung Ursack.
Per a U.S. Forest Service food storage order, all soft-sided sacks (including Ursacks) must be hung at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from tree trunks and any branches. This order covers national forest land from Georgia through Virginia. The ATC recommends using a bear canister no matter where you are on the A.T., since they have shown to be the most effective way to prevent bears from getting hiker food.
Hikers in this area should exercise extreme caution, keep a clean camp by cleaning up all spills and crumbs, properly store all food and scented items overnight in a bear canister or provided food storage device if one is available (bear box, cables, etc.). Never leave food unattended – even for a moment to visit a privy or check out a view. Learn more about bear safety, proper food storage on the A.T., and what to do if you encounter a bear on our Bear webpage.
Report all bear encounters via our Bear Encounter Report form.
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