Comments on: Why Bears Shouldn’t Live In The Woods

By: Bear beware | Repliderium.com

Bear beware | Repliderium.com — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:15:33 +0000

[...] is a bear issue afoot it seems. Matt’s site has an interesting post on the the dilemma and as I watched the news this morning I couldn’t help but shake my head. [...]

By: Mike C

Mike C — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:07:50 +0000

One of the people I work with is actively involved in wildlife conservation in Poco, and with bears in particular. He was telling us a story today of a time he was called in to help rescue a “problem bear”, which had been chased up a tree in it’s chosen neighbourhood, and then surrounded by police and gawkers. In the end, he and a few others just rearranged the crowd and police in such a way that rather than being surrouned, the bear had a clear path from his tree into the forest. Seeing the opportunity, the bear bolted, without the need for bullets, either real or tranquilizer-filled. Such a simple solution, and yet the only solution anyone had come up with until my coworker arrived on scene was to shoot it.

By: apple

apple — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 06:39:31 +0000

I’m a Poco girl and it’s crazy because poco is now being bombarded by condos!! Also, Burke Mountain is being developed now, and the area around Minnekhada. What’s with that, not only is it not good for our bears, it’s not good for our society, there are many reasons why, just think about it! We should really be respectful of nature because this cruelty will haunt humanity for the remainder of it’s precious fleeting moments.

By: Nameless

Nameless — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:12:27 +0000

Wow….I used to shop at the same IGA as Matt Good when I lived on Ioco Rd.

Do you think this is a sign?
I hope I didn’t ever hit him in the face with a can of beans like I did those other ppl.

By: neutralbias1

neutralbias1 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:01:18 +0000

[quote comment="61196"][quote comment="61192"]I know it’s not an idea that will ever fly, but how about we stop breeding for a while? Say a few years? Not only are we encroaching on wildlife, but think of the economic aspects of supply and demand as well. China found out all too well what human overpopulation does, but by the time they decided to do anything about it it was too late and in many cases abusive to people’s rights. Most people would never dream of this idea, even though it’s obvious that our species routinely takes more than it needs and gives little back, on a large and rapidly expanding scale.[/quote]

Less than 2 kids per family are being born these days. I believe the number 4 years ago was 1.27 is the average. Wierd number.

Anyhow, would be interesting to see how life is in 20-30 years.

For economy reasons it’s better to have kids (apparently)..

Right we’re talking about bears..

as this day progresses, I can’t help but wonder what developers were thinking while building in wooded areas where bears stopped by……………. did they think ‘oh, they will go away’ or what? ‘i’m sure we could live iwth them’[/quote]

That is a good point; kids are big business. Just look at all the advertising involved in children’s T.V. shows, for instance. Not to mention kids are exploited to sell just about anything. Advertising runs the world.

By: Brian Smart

Brian Smart — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:15:25 +0000

KET: Totally agree with you; the last thing I want is for somebody to have to shoot the bears - I dont always agree with that solution either although I was trying to convey that the options are, sadly, limited once we have done the usual “ounce of prevention - pound of cure” thing that we do so well. I think the nuisance bears are generally put up with - but it’s when they show no fear of humans, become bold and aggressive, that this “precaution” is taken. As an example, in the video that i saw there are at least 4 RCMP officers, two of which have sidearms only and it looked like one or two others partially obscured - the ones that did the shooting - at least one of them appeared to have a shotgun.. Imagine that very same bear if you happened to walk into your backyard after work one afternoon and there he is and he’s intent on attacking you.

By: KET

KET — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:59:50 +0000

[quote comment="61239"]
One of the things that was brought up here was tranquilizing and re-locating the bears. Typically this is not done by RCMP and certainly not by municipal law enforcement - our bears range from 100lb black bears up to 800lb grizzly bears so getting the dosage right is not easy and too much can kill them - too little can kill you. As for relocating them - well - I’m not sure that is always seen as an option since it can be expensive and where exactly to you drop them off? I’m reminded though of my friend Andy who used to have a terrible time with racoons at his home near Bracebridge ON - he tried trapping them and that did not work and also tried shooting them but in his own words “for every one that I shot - 6 would come to the funeral and then stay”. Whether you shoot them or remove them, all that you have done is create a vacancy for another bear in an attactive and plentiful food environment - some bear will always be waiting in line. Controlling garbage and compost and making visits to the neighborhood as unpleasant for them as possbile is the only way.[/quote]
I know, what you’re saying makes sense… I just hate the idea of bears being given death sentences simply because they’re a nuisance to humans. (I mean, I run a catch-and-release relocation program for spider invaders in my house; I hate the damn things, but far be it from me to cut their little spider lives short when they can easily just go live outside in my flower pot instead.) Okay, I don’t mean to be glib; it’s a complicated problem, and a frustrating one for animal lovers. It’s also one I guess I don’t fully understand, living where I do, because I still remember the one time a black bear lumbered through a populated area of Moncton, and that was six years ago. (They waited it out, tranquilizers and rifles ready, on the university campus next to the soccer field; it eventually scampered back where it came from.)

By: strangedays3

strangedays3 — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:25:32 +0000

Umm front lawn or supermarket.. lest we forget that we have taken THEIR homes… right? They don’t deserve to die for that…

By: Brian Smart

Brian Smart — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:06:40 +0000

Another link on a story about a guy from Haines Junction (near Whitehorse) who undoubedly owes his life to his dog:

http://whitehorsestar.com/archive/story/sow-grizzly-bit-foot-of-treed-jogger/

By: Brian Smart

Brian Smart — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:54:17 +0000

If anyone is interested this is from the Yukon Territorial Government/Environment website on being “Bear Aware” (not to be confused with our friend on here - bebearaware).

http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/camping/bearaware.php

One of the things that was brought up here was tranquilizing and re-locating the bears. Typically this is not done by RCMP and certainly not by municipal law enforcement - our bears range from 100lb black bears up to 800lb grizzly bears so getting the dosage right is not easy and too much can kill them - too little can kill you. As for relocating them - well - I’m not sure that is always seen as an option since it can be expensive and where exactly to you drop them off? I’m reminded though of my friend Andy who used to have a terrible time with racoons at his home near Bracebridge ON - he tried trapping them and that did not work and also tried shooting them but in his own words “for every one that I shot - 6 would come to the funeral and then stay”. Whether you shoot them or remove them, all that you have done is create a vacancy for another bear in an attactive and plentiful food environment - some bear will always be waiting in line. Controlling garbage and compost and making visits to the neighborhood as unpleasant for them as possbile is the only way.

By: gen-xer

gen-xer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:16 +0000

“made” that is - not make….geesh - need more coffee……

By: gen-xer

gen-xer — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:58:51 +0000

That python story really make the hair stand up on the back of my neck. (And almost made the bagel come right out of my mouth).

By: bebearaware

bebearaware — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:14:46 +0000

A fed bear is a dead bear. I for one, would not like to see a bear killed. I love animals and hate seeing that happen. When they come into towns or cities looking for food usually because of a bad berry season, and find it, they will stick around or come back for more. Even if a bear is trapped and brought somewhere else far away, they will return. Not all the time, but most times. Thats why you have to know and understand bears better to prevent an attack from happening in the first place. Once an attack occurs, the bear is usually killed. If they find a food source easy, they will return. You can’t put blame on the conservation officers, as I know they would not like to kill them, but they have no choice. There’s not enough officers to look after everything. I have a friend that is a CO and it’s usually the people that are the cause of the human-bear conflicts. Also, there isn’t enough sanctuaries to take in problem bears. The cost is too high and governments want to put the money elsewhere. Hope this helps or answers your question.

By: KET

KET — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:31:53 +0000

Okay, clearly this seems to be at least somewhat of an ongoing problem in this area. So, why can’t the authorities become better prepared to deal with it (in a way other than shooting the bear, who is just doing its bear thing)? Surely most people would agree that is not the ideal ending to the situation (although I’m sure the Ted Nugents of the Greater Vancouver area are all for the authorities playing shoot-em-up with the creatures… or maybe they’d prefer the bear be released for local residents to have a go at). Anyway, when a bear is found in residential areas (or in an actual home), why can they not tranquilize the bear and move it safely away? Why is death considered the only option?

By: bebearaware

bebearaware — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:33:01 +0000

T-Lee, I’m not sure if you had a look at this, the City of Coquitlam has a link on their website regarding bears. Check it out if you haven’t already.

http://www.coquitlam.ca/Residents/Public Safety/Bear Aware Coquitlam.htm

If you are concerned, contact them and they may be able to help. I don’t know how involve the bylaw officers are for that city, but they may have a snitch line for those that put their garbage out early, etc…

Just a thought. You can never know too much about this stuff, especially those that live so close to bears. The whistle should be fine for your son. Anything loud that would scare a bear works. I would normally suggest a bear banger or flares, but the kids might be too young for bear bangers and you could start a forest fire with the flares.

By: T-Lee

T-Lee — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:06:33 +0000

Are people FUCKING MORONS? I just went outside to scope out the sitch and there are garbage cans out already. OH MY FUCKING GOD, I COULD STRANGLE SOMEONE. These are people who don’t ride the loser cruiser who don’t give a shit about the stupids walking to the bus stop in the mornings. I’m making signs and hanging them up in our clubhouse tomorow. JESUS! These are the people who leave at 6am, BEFORE THE TRUCK ARRIVES, but don’t want to get their suits all dirty by carrying out the garbage when they leave in the morning. My poor husband, he takes the bus and puts our garbage out when he’s leaving. With global warming, is it true during winter they may still be around? I heard this recently. I worry for him leaving when it’s pitch dark during the winter months.

‘Bebareaware’ THANKS FOR THAT!!!! My son has a Thomas whistle, I knew was good for something. Is one of those body alarms a good idea, too?. The one with the pin and you pull it out if you’re in danger?

Becca, Thank you!!! Although, I don’t work enough and have way too much time on my hands. lol.. 1 more year and I’m going full time reg…

By: Becca Steps

Becca Steps — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:23:29 +0000

T-Lee - You really don’t need to explain yourself here. I don’t know you, but I do read your posts everyday and I don’t think you have anything to feel ashamed of or anything that needs to be explained to us or anyone else. For those of us who are here everyday, sometimes all day, we understand you. Sometimes I say things and when I re-read my posts in retrospect, I’m like “What the F was I thinking…,” but I think for the most part, the “usuals” understand what we’re trying to say.

By: bebearaware

bebearaware — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:52:53 +0000

ok Finally unpacked.

So, for the past week or so, we have had some bears killed around the Coquitlam area. If you have grown up in the Lower Mainland like I have, you have seen the growth in population and in the construction of housing to accomodate that growth. The bears were there first, and I dont really agree with housing going up the side of the mountains like it has, but people do have to live somewhere. Where there are people and bears, you will get bear-people conflicts. Unfortunately, alot of them can be avoided, but are not. Careless people leave their trash out early, dont pick the fruit off the trees, etc… Most bears are opportunists and are lazy. I dont think the berry season was great this year or it was late. As a result of that, you are seeing more bears coming down the mountains searching for food. I believe people that live near bear habitat need to be educated about bears and bear safety. All it takes is one bear to have a taste of someone’s garbage, and it will keep coming back. They dont have good eye sight, but they have one hell of a nose. All situations/ encounters with bears are different. It can be a lone young male thats predatoria and will attack when given the chancel. You can have a mother with cubs. You can be walking on a path near a school and not know that a bear is there, but he heard you coming and took off and you never even knew it was there. Or you can be walking on a path or sidewalk and surpise a bear by accident and then he attacks. All encounters are different. People have to know with black bears, that if they attack, you fight like crazy. If he doesn’t leave, play dead and wrap your hands around you face ina fetal position.

I’m not sure if this helps. I just got back from camping and haven’t had a chance to really read everyone’s post. I’m no expert, but I have educated myself about bears. And for that, I am comfortable with myself if I encounter one.

As for the parents out there, educate your kids, tell them what to do if they see one (walk calmly away facing the bear, but not looking at it in the eye, talk calmly, dont run as it will think of them as food), get them to carry a loud whistle, clap their hands around areas that have alot of bushes.

By: T-Lee

T-Lee — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:34:54 +0000

[quote comment="61204"][quote comment="61203"][quote comment="61176"]As I re-read all my posts, I realize I sound very cold[/quote]

No, not cold, just sadly ignorant as too many humans with an inflated view of their importance usually are. Obviously by your avatar you’re a doting mom who probably feels you and your family are entitled to everything and the world owes it to you, so carve it up and throw it away. Why should a conscience get in your way, it’s clear you lack one in the first place.[/quote]

Actually I took her opinion as just that - an opinion and not a childish personal attack which is what you’re doing. I guess you are expecting points because “avatar” is in your vocabulary - look up “pedantic” - that is one you should make yourself familiar with.[/quote]

Thank you, I think I need to go away; another 15 posts in the first 45. gasp!!!! oops, my bad?

By: T-Lee

T-Lee — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:24:07 +0000

[quote comment="61203"][quote comment="61176"]As I re-read all my posts, I realize I sound very cold[/quote]

You don’t know me but those who do on the site and in real life, know I have the biggest conscience, and I don’t believe the world owes me a thing, I never said that. It was shitty the bear(s) got shot, I will struggle with that for a long time. Everytime they shoot a bear, I analyze it to death. Could it have been avoided and so forth. Inflated view of importance? What makes people become that when they become a parent?

Are you a parent? Is so, perhaps you are just a different kind of parent who has no fear for their child (and for that, I would commend you, because my fears are what will always keep me from being borderline agoraphobic). If not, you need to wait until you have one, then things will change. And with the sleepless nights, you will stay stupid things as I realize I’ve said a few today.

Nothingman, I realized afterwards how ridiculous it sounded me thinking they should remove the bears. They really were here first and I do respect that.. 2 bears killed in my area this week has made me a little dilirious..

From this point forward I will shut up and read. (and be bear aware).