I was on the White Blaze last night looking for "News on the Trail". I was alarmed by the recent news, and must admit I had trouble sleeping!
Tuesday night a thru-hiker was bitten by a bear! He was asleep in his tent near the Spence Shield Shelter (Graham County, N.C.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He began to scream (understandably), and the bear ran away. Those in tents went to the shelter for the remainder of the evening. When they returned to pack up their gear in the morning, they discovered the bear had returned during the night and torn apart two tents. Rangers transported the injured hiker out of the forest on horseback, and he then was taken to the local hospital. The shelter is now closed, and a Park Wildlife Technician is remaining at that location in case the bear returns.
Not sure how long this link will remain active, but here is the story:
I dropped Red Bull off at Winding Stair Gap, in Franklin, N.C. Tuesday night. He hiked 15 1/2 miles yesterday, and camped at Cold Spring Shelter. That is only 57 miles from where the bear attacked! He will be at that location in about 4 days!
I imagine with the forest fires in the area, there is a lot of wildlife searching for new homes and food sources. Commentors on the White Blaze speculate there may have been food in the tents? I will call Red Bull today to be certain he is aware of the situation, so he can remain alert and vigilant.
Red Bull is doing well! He is excited to be back on the trail!
Happy Trails!
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