News Summary
Harbison State Forest in Columbia, SC, will reopen to the public after a two-week closure due to aggressive dog attacks on joggers. Safety measures including patrols and limited hours have been implemented. The reopening is encouraged, but visitors are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines regarding aggressive dogs.
Columbia, South Carolina – Harbison State Forest Reopens Following Dog Attacks
Harbison State Forest will reopen to the public on Tuesday, July 29, after a two-week closure prompted by two aggressive dog attacks that resulted in injuries to joggers. The decision to reopen comes after extensive patrols, traps, and surveillance in the area, which found no evidence of the second dog believed to be involved.
The closure began after incidents occurred on July 11 and 12, when two runners were attacked, highlighting concerns about public safety within the forest. Local authorities took decisive action, and on July 21, one of the dogs, described as a black pit bull, was shot and killed by a homeowner approximately half a mile from the forest in a residential area. Since July 16, when a non-aggressive stray dog was removed from the forest by animal control, officials have not seen the second aggressive dog.
Reopening Schedule and Safety Measures
As the forest reopens, it will implement limited hours. The primary entrance off Broad River Road will operate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, and all visitors must exit the property by 4:30 p.m. To bolster safety, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has increased law enforcement presence in the area.
Visitors to the forest are encouraged to stay vigilant, travel in groups, and adhere to safety warnings regarding prior dog encounters. Informational signs have been placed at all entrances and trailheads, advising what to do in the event of a dangerous dog sighting. Additionally, signs recommend not using earbuds or headphones while in the forest to ensure visitors remain aware of their surroundings.
Public Safety Recommendations
Following the incidents, residents and visitors in surrounding neighborhoods are urged to remain watchful for any aggressive dogs. Trail camera footage has suggested that two large dogs may have been responsible for the previous attacks. One attack victim, Winston Holliday, required 17 stitches for his dog bites and has voiced ongoing concerns about the safety of Harbison State Forest.
In response to the incidents, officials have provided enhanced safety protocols for forest-goers. If one encounters an aggressive dog, individuals are advised to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Making direct eye contact with the dog should be avoided, and instead, individuals are encouraged to turn their bodies slightly away, back away slowly, and use barriers when available.
As an additional precaution, the Forestry Commission recommends that visitors carry citronella-based sprays or dog repellents. In cases of an aggressive dog confrontation, distracting the animal with food, if accessible, may also prove effective.
Conclusion
Officials have stated that the threat from the second aggressive dog has been effectively reduced, but they continue to advise visitors to exercise caution during their time in Harbison State Forest. As the community works towards ensuring a safe outdoor experience, awareness and adherence to posted guidelines will be vital for all visitors.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Harbison State Forest to Reopen
- WIS TV: Officials Warn Visitors
- WPDE: Harbison State Forest Reopens
- The State: Concerns Over Dog Attacks
- WYFF: Dog Attack in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Harbison State Forest
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
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