WNC News -- September 19, 2026: An adult female black bear facing possible euthanasia has been granted a second chance following widespread community advocacy, a surging Change.org petition, and an agreement between state wildlife managers and the North Carolina Zoo.
The controversy stems from an August 18 incident in a North Asheville neighborhood, where the sow entered a residence through an unlocked door while her cubs remained outside. A resident sustained non-life-threatening injuries while attempting to provide the bear an exit route. An investigation determined that the bear had become severely habituated and food-conditioned through repeated access to pet food and unsecured garbage.
Under standard state protocols regarding home entries and public safety, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) initially announced plans to trap and humanely dispatch the sow.
That decision sparked swift public outcry, prompting North Asheville resident Hannah Furgiuele to launch a petition on Change.org titled "Ask Governor Josh Stein to Pardon Dolly". Monikered "Dolly" after the late Appalachian music icon Dolly Parton, the bear quickly became the focus of intense regional and national attention. The petition garnered more than 21,000 signatures, urging Governor Stein and wildlife officials to pursue sanctuary care or non-lethal relocation rather than euthanasia.
Organizers officially declared a victory on Change.org following direct discussions with NCWRC leadership, who confirmed a non-lethal placement plan.
In an official public statement confirming the reversal, NCWRC Public Relations Manager Anna Gurney stated:
“NCWRC staff have been in contact with the N.C. Zoo and, in the event we can safely capture the North Asheville bear alive, the Zoo has agreed to temporarily care for the bear until an appropriate permanent home is identified. Biologists will continue efforts to safely capture the bear despite limited success thus far. Staff will continue to monitor the neighborhood and respond to reports to the NC Wildlife Helpline.”
Upon capture, Dolly will be transferred to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, where she will receive an evaluation period to determine if she can integrate into their bear habitat or be transitioned to another suitable sanctuary. Her surviving cub, known by supporters as Wendell, will not go to the zoo. Wendell is slated for relocation to undeveloped national forest lands to rejoin his two siblings, who were safely trapped and relocated earlier in the month.
NCWRC Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn emphasized that preventing habituation in the first place remains vital:
“Repeated access to human-provided foods rewards bears and will lead to bears viewing human homes and neighborhoods as reliable sources of food. That’s why we want to remind folks about the dangers and consequences of unintentional feeding of wildlife.”
Wildlife officials urge all mountain residents to adhere to BearWise protocols:
Lock ground-floor doors and windows: Screens will not stop a habituated, food-conditioned bear.
Secure trash: Keep waste inside garages or certified bear-resistant containers until pickup morning.
Remove attractants: Take down bird feeders during active months and feed pets strictly indoors.
Never feed bears: Feeding wildlife—intentionally or carelessly—creates severe safety hazards and often ends tragically for the animals.
The public should report concerning or threatening bear behavior to the NC Wildlife Helpline at (866) 318-2401 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and call 911 in an emergency.