ASHEVILLE — Some hikers in Western North Carolina say they are not worried about running into bears, despite a warning from the U.S. Forest Service.

The forest service issued the warning last week after a bear took a food bag from a tree and damaged a tent with two people inside.

The forest service banned overnight camping in Shining Rock Wilderness, Graveyard Fields and Black Balsam because of aggressive bear activity.

But hiker Bradan Dotson of Asheville told the newspaper his group was not worried about running into bears as they hike in the area. Dotson said he was part of a large group and had a dog, too.

It's unclear when overnight camping will be allowed again.