Help Asheville Bears

Overview

Help Asheville Bears was a nonprofit organization based in Asheville, North Carolina, focused on promoting the preservation, protection, and conservation of bears. It operated from August 2019 until its closure in early 2024. The organization was designated as a 501(c)(3) and categorized under animal-related and wildlife preservation/protection.

Purpose and Activities

Help Asheville Bears emerged after a family's encounter with a bear named Peaches, which they believed had been injured by a trap. This incident evolved into a broader campaign against poaching and wildlife cruelty. The organization aimed to protect bears through a reward system for informants reporting poaching activities. It collaborated with a group called the Poacher Strike Force to investigate tips received through a hotline. HAB gained significant social media presence, amassing nearly half a million followers.

Financial Structure

The majority of the organization's funding came from the founding family, with minimal external donations. During its operation, Help Asheville Bears spent approximately $2.3 million. Despite international recognition, the organization struggled financially due to insufficient external support. Most of its revenue was categorized as contributions, with no notable income from program services or investments.

Closure

Help Asheville Bears closed after four and a half years of operation. The decision was attributed to financial strain and volunteer exhaustion. The organization notified its partners that funding would cease approximately a year before its closure was announced.

Impact and Challenges

While the organization drew attention to the plight of injured bears and targeted poachers, its claims about the cause of these injuries often conflicted with official explanations. State wildlife biologists suggested that vehicle collisions were a more likely cause of bears' missing limbs than trap escapes. The organization faced challenges including death threats and financial struggles, which ultimately led to its dissolution.

Legacy

Help Asheville Bears played a role in raising awareness about wildlife protection and the dangers of poaching. Despite its closure, its efforts highlighted the need for continued vigilance in protecting wildlife in North America.