Vancouver Sun

Humans are the problem, not the bears
Letter
Published: Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Re: Grizzly attacks plague central coast, March 31

The Vancouver Sun has stooped to the same sensationalistic tabloid fear-mongering tactics to sell newspapers that Bella Coola resident Gary Shelton has used to sell books about bear attacks.

The various headlines -- Grizzly attacks plague central coast; "We are living in a siege mentality. The bears have taken over," Bella Coola Valley resident says; and Grizzlies cause chaos -- were not an accurate reflection of Larry Pynn's article at all. His freedom-of-information search on the circumstances of grizzly bears being shot in 2006 in defence of people and property outlined the real reasons for the bear-human conflict, and as he points out, "Humans often have no one to blame but themselves."

What Pynn did reveal is that people have moved into grizzly habitat, and for some reason expect that they do not need to protect their livestock with inexpensive electric fencing, can leave dog food on their porch, keep up birdfeeders year round and cook bacon with the window open.

Shelton's books do not quote the actual statistics of bear attacks, perhaps because it would show them to be a rare occurrence and fewer books would be sold. In fact, from 1960 to 1997 in B.C., there were 49 grizzly incidents resulting in serious injury (41) or fatality (eight). Since then, B.C. grizzlies have been responsible for two more human deaths. Consider, however, that for every person killed in North America by a grizzly bear, 64 have been killed by domestic dogs and more than 90,000 by fellow humans.

Stories about grizzlies can attract attention without being hyped. Unfortunately, the many people who will not take the time to read Pynn's interesting article will, having seen the headlines, be left with an unfair and inaccurate impression, which will not be good for a species under tremendous pressure already.

Dr. Ken Macquisten

Managing Director/Veterinarian

Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife

The front-page picture of a growling bear with fangs exposed under the headline, "Bear attacks plague central coast," is outrageous in its irresponsibility and bias. The provincial government and hunters will be thrilled. The fact is that bears are extremely intelligent and are losing their habitat. The government is increasing the number of spring hunts that will orphan and subsequently kill many cubs. The cruelty is insane. Recently I heard about a worker at Grouse Mountain feeding grizzlies apples by hand. And then I pick up The Sun and see a call to arms. What idiots we are.

David Akerly

Vancouver

From grizzlies in Alaska and B.C. to mountain lions in California, it is clear that problems arise wherever humans blindly persist in living, working and pursuing recreational activities in predator habitat. Place reasonable limits on human activities ("bear zoning," if you like) and there will be far fewer problem encounters. Of course, this will require humans to forswear any desire to be the tinpot lords of all creation, divinely entitled to go anywhere and do anything. But it's past time to accept exactly those limits, in order to live in harmony with the rest of life on earth.

David Allen

Fairbanks, Alaska