Group Caught On Video Pulling Bear Cubs From Tree To Take 'Selfie' With Them

Public outrage is growing rapidly across social media following a disturbing incident where a group was recorded pulling bear cubs from a tree to take selfies with them.

This unsettling event took place on Tuesday (16 April) near an apartment complex in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

A video that captured the episode shows a group of six people standing by a fence adjacent to an area thick with trees.

In the footage, one person is clearly seen cradling a bear cub in their arms in front of the fence, posing for a photo while another individual bends down to capture the moment on camera.

Group members posed with the bears for photographs YouTube / ABC 7 Chicago

Further into the video, another member of the group is spotted reaching into the tree to forcefully remove a cub from its secure spot.

Adding to the alarm, the video shows that one of the cubs is accidentally dropped during the process.

The footage captured these actions, prompting immediate calls to the authorities who quickly intervened at the scene.

Upon arrival, police enlisted the help of Ashley Hobbs, a special projects biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Speaking to ABC 13 News, Hobbs reported that by the time she got there, only one cub was left at the location, a stark contrast to the several cubs seen in the initial video.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission special projects biologist Ashley Hobbs has spoken out about the incident YouTube / ABC 7 Chicago

The condition of the cub was concerning, as Hobbs described it as being wet and cold.

The cub had to be moved to a rehabilitation facility to recover from the ordeal. 

"We do think that the bear probably had a pretty traumatic experience," she remarked.

Hobbs also pointed out that the group involved was confronted directly at the scene.

She explained the severity of their actions to them: "[We] let them know how irresponsible and potentially deadly it could be for that cub to be separated from its mom, especially ripped out of a tree like that," emphasizing the potential danger to the cub's life and well-being.

One of the cubs is in a rehab facility YouTube/ ABC 7 Chicago

The actions of the group also drew sharp criticism from Jody Williams, founder of Help Asheville Bears.

He strongly condemned the group's reckless behavior for a photo opportunity, stating: "All for a selfie. All for a selfie. [...] Super super high anxiety.

"I feel bad for the cubs. I feel bad for the ignorance of those people. Total selfishness. This is not what we talk about when we talk about co-existing."

The backlash on social media was intense and swift.

One YouTube user expressed their dismay, commenting: "Who raised these ppl. So disrespectful of wildlife. Hope there are some kind of charges that can be filed. They were lucky mama bear didn't come out and teach them a lesson. I don't know if they were remorseful." 

Another straightforwardly urged, "Leave bears alone." 

Meanwhile, a third echoed the sentiment of accountability: "I hope they were charged."

As the incident continues to be investigated, the community and online commentators alike await to see what consequences, if any, will be faced by the individuals involved in this thoughtless act.