Horrifying video shows group ripping bear cubs from tree, taking pictures with them

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A gut-wrenching video shows the moment a group rips two bear cubs who were hanging out in a tree and appears to take pictures with them.

The disturbing incident was caught on camera on Tuesday near an apartment complex in Asheville, North Carolina.

5 dead cats, 28 animals seized from Lakeland home, woman charged: PCSO

A woman is seen yanking the first cub out of the tree and holding it, as she appears to have a photo taken with the baby black bear.

Rachel Stuadt and an unidentified woman, who caught the whole thing on camera, could be heard saying, “That’s 100% what she’s doing. She’s taking pictures with it.”

At one point, a loud screech is heard, as the video pans to the bear, now on the ground, running away from the group.

WATCH: Drone footage shows sharks surround huge manatee in Pinellas County

“Did she just drop it?” the woman is heard saying. “That poor thing.”

The other woman behind the camera is heard yelling, “Put it back. It’s scared.”

The cub tries to get back to his sibling, but a black fence and its small stature, made it difficult for him to return to the tree it was once in.

According to a local news source, the authorities were made aware of the situation. The bear is reportedly doing OK and is in a rehabilitation facility and will be released back into the wild.

As part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Black Bear Conservation, it is prohibited for residents to intentionally take or possess bears.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.