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FAIRVIEW, N.C. (WLOS) — Several viewers have reached out to News 13 about the removal of a beloved flock of geese in a mountain community.

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"What happened to the flock of geese that were living in front of the TE Connectivity plant in Fairview?" writes Jan.

Another concerned viewer, Kathryn Kolbe, captured video of the removal effort back in mid-June and shared it with News 13.

We have since learned that Wildlife Services, with the US Department of Agriculture, rounded up 58 Canada geese at the request of the Fairview company.

A spokesperson for TE Connectivity, Jeff Cronin, said numerous attempts were made to try to resolve the negative impact of the geese at their site.

He provided this statement to News 13:

With the health and safety of our employees as our priority, TE Connectivity contacted the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Services for recommendations and assistance after we made numerous attempts to resolve the negative impact of geese at our site in Fairview. The U.S. Department of Agriculture removed the geese under their statutory authority.

USDA officials told News 13 that both a state and federal permit were required for the removal, because the birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

USDA Public Affairs Specialist Tanya Espinosa said the geese were removed due to aggressive behavior and excessive feces.

"The geese were humanely euthanized using American Veterinary Medical Association approved methods. In this instance, they were euthanized using gas," Espinosa said.

News 13 asked why the birds were not relocated instead.

"Relocation is dictated by the state. In this instance, North Carolina does not allow for the relocation of Canada geese," Espinosa said.

Espinosa provided further insight on the removal effort through the following statement:

Wildlife Services’ efforts are conducted, by request, on private or federal and state-managed lands in response to specific requests for assistance and where permission is granted. WS programs and activities conform to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and are designed and conducted to safeguard the environment, nontarget wildlife populations, and public safety.

WS professionals recommend and use an integrated wildlife damage management approach to reduce damage caused by specific wildlife species. This approach employs methods to prevent damage from occurring and to stop damage once it begins. All techniques used meet strict guidelines for safety, selectivity, and effectiveness. These methods may involve changing management practices, modifying habitat, dispersing animals, or removing wildlife. A combination of these approaches is generally used.

Canada geese populations have shown a resurgence in recent decades due to conservation efforts. Generally, problems arise when their numbers or density have increased in an urban area. As an example, Canada geese deposit 1/2 to 1 pound of feces per bird per day, which can significantly accumulate during molting season or on small properties with large flocks. In comparison, an average size dog generates about 1/2 pound, which responsible owners clean up.

If you have a question about something you see in the community, email [email protected].

FAIRVIEW, N.C. (WLOS) — More than 30 homeowners are without fire and emergency service after a bridge into their Fairview community was condemned.

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“My biggest worry is emergency services won’t come across this bridge,” said Harry Riva, a 20-year resident along Laurel Loop Road. “We got a letter from the Fire Marshal that said the bridge we use to get into our development was condemned.”

In his letter, Fire Marshal Jerry Leatherwood also warned property owners their insurance may be voided because he’s ruled emergency vehicles cannot safely cross the bridge.

The road and bridge cut through private property. Riva acknowledged the residents have maintained the road, but estimates to repair the bridge have given him and the other community residents, many of whom have limited income, sticker shock.

“Anywhere between $25,000 and $50,000. Unfortunately, there are people up there that can’t afford to help," Riva said.

Fire Marshal Jerry Leatherwood could not be reached for comment.

Jonathan Pattavina, who owns the land on other side of the bridge, said he empathizes and wants to help homeowners, but, technically, he isn’t responsible for the bridge.

"I want to investigate whether the bridge is truly unsafe,” said Pattavina, who lives in New Hampshire but has a home in Fairview on the property. “But it’s not my bridge. It’s the community’s. The road and bridge are just the legal access to the community through my property.”

Pattavina said he contacted Buncombe County officials to ask if there is anything the county could to do take over the road and bring the bridge up to code.

He said the community has no neighborhood association and isn’t a traditional community but rather a mix of mobile homes in a central area at the top of the road.

Several residents worked on the bridge Wednesday night, but beams were still loose and any repairs will likely not be enough to have the fire marshal retract his condemnation.

“I’d like to see that my Buncombe County taxes and my fire taxes ensure that they have access to my property,” Riva said.

Riva said he doesn’t expect the county to fix the entire road.

“But we need this bridge to be fixed,” he said.

HIGH POINT, N.C., March 18, 2016 – High Point University planted a purple plum tree at Fairview Elementary School today in High Point in honor of North Carolina Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees.

“These students are going to walk by this tree every day when they come into school,” said Angela Dawson, principal at Fairview Elementary. “They will get to see it grow and take shape. Anytime that these students can learn about something that they don’t already know about is wonderful.”

Dozens of students gathered around as Jon Roethling, curator of the grounds at HPU, planted the purple plum tree and told the students about the importance of trees.

“The big thing is getting kids excited about trees early on so that they can understand the importance of them and the environment,” said Roethling. “Trees provide shade, food and help with global warming. All of this is very important for children to understand now at a young age.”

“I love that we are going to have a tree outside of our school,” said Nevaeh Myangele, second-grader at Fairview Elementary. “Trees are not only pretty, but I like sitting under them for shade and eating fruit from them. I can’t wait until this tree grows purple plums.”

HPU First Lady Mariana Qubein began the development of the HPU Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on campus in 2006. She says that the mission of the gardens is to not only beautify the HPU campus and preserve the environmental surroundings, but to share an appreciation for nature with the community.

“These children are so excited to have this tree planted at their elementary school and we love to see that,” said Qubein. “Whenever we are creating something on campus and sharing it in the community, it is a great thing. We want to spread the word about Arbor Day because right now, these young children don’t really know what it is. They will take what Jon is teaching them today and bring it with them through the rest of their lives.”

The university will hold an official Arbor Day celebration on its campus on April 21 at the Alumni Avenue Amphitheatre. For more information click here.

A Western North Carolina brewery boasts a train-themed twist — and was named the best in the state.

Whistle Hop Brewing Company tops the list of places making and serving beer in North Carolina, according to results published Monday, May 9.

To come up with the findings, the restaurant review website Yelp said it examined listings in each state and considered their health scores.

“We identified businesses in the breweries category on Yelp that brew their own beer, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews,” the company wrote in a blog post.

In North Carolina, Whistle Hop Brewing Company earned the No. 1 spot after customers helped it receive a five-star rating. Several raved online about the taproom’s selection of brews and activities that ranged from mini golf to bowling.

Then there’s the on-site train caboose, which one Yelp user described as a “fun place to chug chug chug.” Whistle Hop Brewing Company said its customers can sit back in a “1969 Norfolk and Western caboose” or experience music and games in a “1941 Southern Railway boxcar,” according to its website and Facebook page.

“What started as our family’s old caboose and a dream has grown into Asheville’s most unique destination brewery,” the business wrote on Yelp. “We’re so proud to have created this special place for locals and visitors alike to gather and enjoy our unique craft beers in the heart of Fairview.”

Fairview is roughly 12 miles southeast of the mountain tourist destination of Asheville. It might not come as a surprise that the state’s top-ranking brewery is in the area.

That’s because Asheville was recently named one of the nation’s best places for beer drinkers. The city also received nods for its breweries when it landed on TripAdvisor’s list of trendiest U.S. travel spots, McClatchy News reported in February.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — It's that time of year when black bears in the mountains begin to bulk up for winter.

Be bear aware: Black bear activity increasing as population prepares for winter months

Bear experts say the next six to eight weeks are a busy time for black bears, with the growing population getting hungrier than usual.

"Typically a bear will put on anywhere from 25 to 50 pounds going into the winter time," says Western North Carolina Nature Center Director Chris Gentile, as he shows off the nature center's two black bears, Ursa and Uno.

The pair are just two of the four-to-6,000 bear in Western North Carolina that will bulk up for the winter. A hotter than average summer means an above average appetite.

VIDEO SHOWS HOW WELL BEAR-PROOF TRASH CANS WORK

"Typically when it’s hotter out, bears will expend more energy," Gentile explains. "So they will need even more energy then to put on their bodies to make it through a winter."

Asheville resident Sophie Chirico lives in the Haw Creek area. She's used to regular bear activity, even knowing one bear's routine -- it usually includes her trash can.

Chirico keeps a brick on top of her trashcan, but says the bear still manages to get into it.

Black bears at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, NC - Wildlife officials warn people that black bear activity will be increasing soon as the bears bulk up for the winter months. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)

A recent study by North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission shows the urban bear population in Asheville is growing on several levels.

"Urban bears in Asheville are actually growing more quickly than bears outside of the urban area, and, they’re starting to reproduce at a younger age and have more cubs at an earlier age," says Dr. Graham Reynolds,

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The biology teacher at UNC Asheville attributes the growth to food availability.

"They’re actually growing twice the rate of bears outside of the area," he says. "So, they’re reaching 100 pounds at about two years of age. Anywhere else it’s about 50 pounds at two years of age."

"I guess I’m pretty used to it," says Chirico of her neighborhood bear. "I think they’re cute. I stay away, you know, keep my distance, just watch them from afar."

Both Dr. Reynolds and Gentile urge people to be especially vigilant in containing their trash, keeping birdseed inside and hanging bird feeders out of a bear's reach.