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Blue Ridge Parkway temporarily closes Humpback Rocks Picnic Area due to bear activity

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newspaperA temporary closure of the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area at Milepost 8.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is in effect.

“We’ve had numerous reports of bear activity in the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area and as a result are initiating several strategies to deter hungry bears,” said Ridge District Ranger Kurt Speers. “Visitor safety is of the utmost importance and until we feel the area is safe for visitors it will remain closed.”

In the meantime, Parkway rangers remind all visitors to carefully store their food properly and ‘be bear aware.’

  • Do not Store Food in Tents
  • Properly Store Food by Using a bear proof container
  • Clean up food or garbage around fire rings, grills, or other areas
  • Do not leave food unattended

For more information visitors are encouraged to visit www.nps.gov/blri/bear-safety.htm

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