Bear attacks couple, dog on Blue Ridge Parkway

A bear attacked a couple Wednesday evening in the parking lot of an Asheville area art center this week, WYFF reports.

The couple was having a picnic on a grassy hill near the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway when they were alerted to a bear by their dog, officials said. The unleashed dog ran towards the bear, barking loudly, according to the release.

The bear acted defensively toward the dog and the couple, likely aggravated by the dog, officials said.

There were repeated attacks by the bear over the next several minutes before the couple was able to get to the safety of their vehicle with their dog.

The couple drove to Mission Hospital, where they were both treated for their injuries and released, officials said.

If the offending bear is captured and positively identified, officials will humanely euthanize the animal, per park and NCWRC protocol.