PETITION TARGET: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper
UPDATE (5/3/2023): In October 2019, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has responded to Lady Freethinker’s petition, saying they are working with Help Asheville Bears to investigate. While we were not able to receive a definitive answer from that agency regarding what happened to these innocent bears, despite multiple checks back, local news has reported that vehicle collisions may be a contributing factor. Thank you to everyone who signed our petition. We’ll keep advocating for bears in North Carolina — including those at risk of being hunted in bear sanctuaries! —Lady Freethinker Staff
*
Mutilated, crippled bears are being spotted in the Asheville area of North Carolina, and the reasons are so far unclear. Twelve bears so far have been seen with severed limbs; six are mothers tending to cubs, according to local group Help Asheville Bears.
The gruesome amputations appear to come from cruel bear traps, according to the group.
Some officials claim that auto accidents are the culprit. But activists argue that such amputations don’t come from being hit by a car.
The bear victims struggle to walk, and mothers tending to cubs have less strength and energy to heal from the debilitating wounds. If the mothers are crippled, the lives of their cubs are in peril, as well.
We must speak up to help protect these majestic animals from being maimed. Sign this petition to urge Governor Cooper to investigate what is causing these bears to lose their limbs and to put an end to this terrible cruelty immediately.
Help Asheville Bears is offering a $50,000 reward for information “leading to the conviction of person(s) illegally using traps for bears or selling bear parts in WNC.” Please contact them with information via email at [email protected] or via their Facebook page, or reach out to your local authorities.
