North Carolina man dons bear costume to scare off persistent real-life black bear: video

New York Post - Mar 25th, 2025

In Asheville, North Carolina, a man donned a bear costume to creatively address a recurring bear issue in his backyard. Captured in a now-viral video, the man approached a black bear wearing a costume that resembled a college mascot. As the man mock-prowled and growled, the bear, initially fierce-looking, retreated after a brief standoff at the edge of the property. This unusual confrontation ended with the bear returning to the woods, much to the relief of the residents who were exasperated by the bear's repeated visits.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of bear behavior when faced with unconventional deterrents. Bears have shown varying responses to challenges, as seen in other recent events where a black bear and cub damaged a car in Connecticut, and brown bears in New York displayed fearlessness on a frozen pond. These encounters emphasize the need for innovative human strategies in managing wildlife interactions, underscoring the broader implications of human-wildlife coexistence in areas increasingly frequented by bears.

North Carolina Asheville Bear Costume Wildlife Management Human Wildlife Interaction

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The story about a man using a bear costume to scare off a black bear is engaging and humorous, capturing reader interest with its novelty. However, it lacks depth in terms of source quality, transparency, and balance, as it does not provide sufficient evidence or a range of perspectives to support its claims. The article is clear and readable, but its playful tone might detract from the seriousness of human-wildlife interactions. While the story is timely and engaging, it has limited potential for impact or controversy, as it does not address broader public concerns or policy issues. To enhance its quality, the article could benefit from more thorough verification of facts, inclusion of expert perspectives, and exploration of the broader implications of such encounters.

Accuracy

The story about a North Carolina man using a bear costume to scare off a black bear includes several specific claims that require verification. The location is specified as Asheville, North Carolina, and the event involves the man successfully scaring the bear away. These claims need corroboration through reliable sources or video evidence, which the story mentions but does not provide directly. The bear's reaction and the frequency of its appearances on the property are also key points that lack detailed evidence or external confirmation. While the story captures an unusual event, the lack of direct source citations or evidence like video footage affects its overall factual accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of the homeowner dealing with a bear problem. It lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as wildlife experts or local authorities who might provide insights into bear behavior or recommended safety practices. The story could benefit from including these perspectives to offer a more comprehensive view of the situation. The narrative focuses on the novelty of the man's approach, potentially overshadowing other important considerations such as safety and wildlife management.

Clarity

The article is written in a clear and engaging style, with a straightforward narrative that describes the unusual event. The language is accessible, and the structure is logical, making it easy for readers to follow the story. However, the use of terms like 'cartoony bear costume' and 'mock prowl' may contribute to a light-hearted tone that could detract from the seriousness of human-wildlife interactions. Overall, the clarity is strong, but the tone could be more balanced to reflect the potential risks involved.

Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources or authorities, which diminishes its credibility. There is no mention of interviews with the homeowner, local wildlife officials, or experts who could provide context or verification of the event. The absence of source attribution makes it difficult to assess the reliability of the information presented. Improved source quality would involve direct quotes or references to credible entities familiar with the incident or topic.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing background information or disclosing how the information was obtained. There is no explanation of the methodology behind the claims, such as how the video footage was obtained or verified. Additionally, the article does not address potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the reporting. Greater transparency would involve clarifying the origins of the story and the basis for its claims.