We wanted to let you know about increased bear activity in the North Carolina mountains, and near Camp Rockmont, in recent weeks.
Know that any time you camp in the mountains of North Carolina, bear sightings are possible.
Please know that we keep you and your child’s safety as a top priority. We have been in touch with management at Camp Rockmont and NC Wildlife Commission to discuss safety measures for our remaining weekends at Camp.
Two female bears with cubs have been frequenting our campsite the past few weekends. According to the NC Wildlife Commission, black bears are not typically aggressive to humans.
Black bears may be on site is to scavenge for food as their natural supply is dwindling due to seasonal changes. Please watch this video from the National Park Service about interactions with bears.
To minimize future contact with bears we are instituting the following expectations to our Rockmont weekends:
- No food will be allowed in cabins or tents overnight. You are welcome to bring snacks to camp, however they must be stored in your car overnight and properly cleaned up. This includes coolers with food, they also must be secured in your car.
- Grilling and/or barbequing will not be allowed at Rockmont. Bears are attracted to food odors and may investigate. For the safety of you and your child, we will not allow tribes to use their own grill. We will have a grilled chicken meal Saturday night; the grill will be monitored and cleaned appropriately by Rockmont staff.
- If you spot a bear, do not congregate or make a scene. Back away slowly to a safe distance.
- Rockmont is installing flood lights around the mess hall where bears have been loitering at night.
- All non-secured trash cans will be moved indoors. All trash should be disposed of in the bear proof dumpsters near your sleeping quarters or the dumpster near the mess hall for tent camping.
- Staff will be present to help monitor safety. This does not substitute fathers accompanying their children after sunset, which is required regardless of bears. Camp is very dark at night and children can easily get lost.