The bears were there first

Times Colonist

July 14, 2005

Re: "Bad-news bear gives pause along Juan de Fuca trail," July 9.

B.C. Parks conservation officer Peter Pauwels states that Bear Beach is prime bear habitat, and the "problem bear" is a young adult trying to be a bear in that prime bear habitat.

It's obvious who is the bearer of bad news: The people who originally designed this corridor and thus encouraged an influx of people who seem to be continually surprised that wild animals do try to live in what we have left them of wild places.

If this bear is killed, it will be a crime. Is it not murder when the victim is an animal? This section of the trail has been closed temporarily. I suggest closing it permanently. There are places on the planet that need to be set aside for animals' exclusive use.

The Earth is not one big theme park for us to view safely, once all the problematic wild animals are killed or coralled. Respect and appreciation for nature means leaving some of it alone, if it's not already too late.

Diane McNally,

Victoria.