The South Carolina Forestry Commission reopened Harbison State Forest to the public July 29.
The decision to reopen came after one dog confirmed to have been involved in at least one of two attacks July 11 and 12 was killed by a homeowner July 21, and another week of patrols, traps and surveillance provided no indication of the second dog on state forest property. More than two weeks have passed since either of the dogs in question have been seen on Harbison State Forest.
Agency officials believe the risk has been sufficiently diminished to warrant a limited reopening of the forest after the death of the aggressive black dog. That dog, a pit bull, was not killed at Harbison State Forest, but rather nearly half a mile away in a residential area.
Agency personnel have found no evidence of the second dog on forest property in more than two weeks, and no other dogs have been observed since July 16 when animal control officers removed a nonaggressive stray dog.
The Forestry Commission will continue to maintain an increased law enforcement presence in the forest and will limit Harbison’s hours of operation to when agency personnel are on site. The front parking lot off Broad River Road, which normally opens at sunrise with paid-permit access, will only be open 8 am – 4:30 pm until further notice. All visitors to the forest must leave the property no later than 4:30 pm.
Visitors to Harbison are encouraged, as always, to maintain situational awareness, exercise caution and travel in pairs/groups. Likewise, residents and pedestrians in the many neighborhoods surrounding Harbison State Forest are advised to remain vigilant, especially if traveling on foot or by bike in the area.
The Forestry Commission has also placed numerous large signs at all entrances and trailheads informing visitors that aggressive dogs have been encountered in the area and instructing them to call the appropriate authorities if they encounter an aggressive dog.
If you see a dangerous dog at or near Harbison State Forest call 911 immediately and, if possible, City of Columbia Animal Services at 803-776-7387. Any such sightings should also be reported to the Forestry Commission at [email protected] or 803-968-1576.
Certified dog behavior consultant and bite prevention educator Jenna Perrelito, owner of Columbia K9 Training & Behavior offers these dog attack prevention/safety tips:
Do not wear earbuds or headphones while walking, running or biking in the forest, as your awareness of external threats will be severely compromised.
If confronted by an aggressive dog, try to remain calm. Avoid sudden movements, direct eye contact or facing the dog head-on, as these actions may further aggravate the dog.
Do not run away, as doing so may stimulate the dog’s instinct to chase. Instead, calmly face your body away from the dog and slowly step away while still keeping the dog in your peripheral vision.
Try to create a barrier between yourself and the dog such as a tree or rock. You could also try picking up a large stick to use as an additional barrier.
Consider carrying trekking poles or a walking stick, which can be used as another barrier option.
Carry a dog repellent such as a citronella-based spray; this spray can deter a dog if used correctly. Dog-specific repellent sprays and pepper sprays also may be effective.
Try distracting the dog with food. Scattering food on the ground may keep the dog busy while you try to move away. Additionally, this can help to create a positive association between you and the dog, which in turn may reduce the dog’s fear and decrease the chance of it acting aggressively.
Most dog aggression is fear-based. Staying calm and as non-threatening as possible can reduce the likelihood of a dog choosing to aggress.
