(A) It is unlawful to feed black bears from a public highway right-of-way.
(1) Division (A) applies only to the direct feeding or broadcasting of food or other attractants by private individuals for the purpose of feeding, attracting or baiting black bears.
(2) Exempted from this section are state and local government programs (and programs sponsored by the state or local governments) that have the purpose of beautifying public roadsides or managing public highway rights-of-way to provide or improve wildlife habitat.
(3) It is not the purpose of this section to prohibit any person from feeding black bears on their private property, nor does this section prohibit persons from using natural or artificial bait while fishing in public highway canals and waterways.
(B) The term HIGHWAY shall be as defined by G.S. § 20-4.01(13).
(C) A violation of this section shall be punished as provided in G.S. § 14-4(a) as a Class 3 misdemeanor.
(Prior Code, § 91.043) (Ord. passed 12-18-2000)