Hikers and campers are being warned to take precautions when visiting a national forest in North Carolina after a string of incidents of bears stealing backpacks and food.
The U.S. Forest Service said in a statement Friday that it has received “reports of increased bear encounters” on four Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness trails inside the Nantahala National Forest. The spots include Haoe Lead Trail, Stratton Bald Trail, Hangover Lead Trail and Hangover Trail.
Black bears look for food that trail users bring with them this time of year.
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