A hiker reported an encounter with a mother bear and two cubs on the Snead Farm Fire Road near Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6 Skyline Drive) in Shenandoah National Park on Wednesday.
The hiker was accompanied by two dogs on retractable leashes. Confronted by the bear, the hiker fled the area, at which point the bear attacked the trailing dog who later died of its injuries. The Snead Farm Fire Road and Loop Trail will remain closed while park staff monitor the area. Hikers with dogs are asked to avoid the Dickey Ridge Area.
“We are very sad to learn about this dog that died as a result of injuries from an encounter with a bear in the park. This is a very rare event, and we offer our condolences to the dog’s family,” said Park Superintendent Jim Northup.
Park regulations require that dogs be leashed at all times on a leash that is 6′ or less. When confronted by a bear, walkers and hikers should stand their ground, wave their arms and make a lot of noise. Running from a bear can trigger their prey response.
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