This story never goes away. Hunters, hikers, bikers, and people keep finding a way to encounter, encroach, and eventually have bears killed.
Generally, bears want nothing to do with humans. Black bears and Grizzlies are meat eaters and feed on opportunistic resources. If a farmer grows a field of food, raises tasty beef and poultry, sheep, or domestic fare, and people leave their trash out, bears will feel invited.
Right now, and for the next few months, bears are on the feed to fatten up for Winter. If they do not get enough food, they will not survive hibernation. Yogi is all in on every “pik- a- nik- baskit” he can find.
The worst, and most unpredictable bear encounters are when you meet a sow with cubs. Mamma bears will defend their cubs. You can be attacked and killed. Every other encounter is avoidable. If you don’t leave out invitations of food, trash, gut piles, and easy prey, bear encounters are rare. Increased bear and predator populations will result in more human encounters.
The bear verses Human encounter hit list always ends up in the people’s favor. If a bear targets trash that humans leave out, if campers are attacked by bears after their food and cooking gear, if a hunter is attacked by a bear after a gut pile, if an off-leash dog is attacked by a bear, if bears are feasting on full bird feeders, then they become targets. Bears are not bulletproof or smart enough to avoid donut filled bear traps. Human safety comes first.
Part of the problem is that bear habitat is decreasing, and human populations are increasing. That is just a fact. Sadly, this means more close encounters. There are more bears than the habitat can safely address. Mountain bikes, skis, hiking, and trekking into the wilderness means more surprises and sad outcomes.
Humans must always be on bear alert. It is the same when you are in rattlesnake country. Pay attention and know what to see, do, and understand. Education is key. Always carry spray, or a firearm for protection. Know how to use them and be Bear Aware Always. Bears are where they are. An encounter can happen anywhere.
The recent R.I.P. list is growing.
Montana Grant
