Western NC police chief recovering after bear attack, UNC System president says

A western North Carolina police chief is recovering Thursday after authorities said a bear attacked her more than a week ago at an arboretum outside of Asheville.

UNC System President Peter Hans said a bear attacked North Carolina Arboretum Police Chief Emily Brahy during Helene clean up.

“She came very close to losing her life,” Hans said. “She’s a good mountain girl [and] knew how to deal with the situation.”

The UNC System owns the North Carolina Arboretum, which is located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest just south of Asheville and near the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393.

Hans said the attack happened a few days after Helene ripped through the mountains.

“She went to go check on the property, and just dozens and dozens of trees were down,” he said. “As you might imagine, animals were also thrown out of their routine [and] agitated, just like humans.”

Hans said it was at that moment she came across the bear.

“The bear got up on its hind legs and came at her,” Hans said. “She knew to fall back into a protective position.”

While Hans said Brahy could have lost her life, her injuries were minor thanks to her awareness of the situation.

“I’m not sure many of us would,” he said. “It speaks to the resilience of the people in the mountains. I salute her strength and courage.”

Hans said he is going to visit Brahy when he’s able.