Video shows group of people harassing bear cubs in Asheville [Video]

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — (Warning: Story contains graphic details or images)

The video shows a group of people pulling two young bear cubs out of a tree in Asheville at an apartment complex and then taking selfies with the cubs. 

“It is shockingly irresponsible and part of an unfortunate trend of people interacting with wildlife,” Gail Thomssen, North Carolina state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said. “It is cruel to the animals and puts the public in harm’s way.”

Officials say the video was reported to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. Biologists were sent to the complex, where they could only find one of the cubs. They were told both cubs had gotten away after one of them bit someone. 

NCWRC staff found one of the cubs in a retention pond. The cub, wet and cold, had been alone for some time. 

“The cub’s …