Are Bears a Problem or Are People the Problem?
I read an article in the Lake Chronicle by a Boundary Waters camper who told the tale of a bear taking over their campsite. They hadn’t hung their pack and a bear wandered into the camp. The campers left their site so the bear could continue to go through their pack. They spent the night on a different campsite and then returned the next day.
Is the bear a problem bear? The bear smelled food, went to check it out and the people barely objected to his presence so he stayed at the campsite. The next time he goes to the campsite is it because he’s a problem bear or a smart bear?
I also found this online at a forum and thought I would ask my blog readers for their opinion. Are bears a problem or are people the problem?
It was only a matter of time before the so called "research" bears became habituated, lost their natural wariness around people and started causing problems. Pseudo scientists following bears within mere feet, year round in the name of research (?) are doing more damage to the species that real scientists observing from a distance and using more conventional scientific methods.
I cannot believe some ignorant people fund, and the state of MN allow this private, un scientific " research"
It is only a matter of time before a "research" bear hurts or kills someone, and the responsibility will lie directly on the shoulders of the lead "researcher" and his bunch of noteriety seeking nature fakers.
Don’t support the International Bear center in Ely, they are not doing the bears any good. It is just another way to fund their bear harassment.
That is my opinion anyway."
The DNR says some reports involve collared bears that are part of research being conducted by biologist Lynn Rogers.
A collared bear at Bear Head Lake State Park reportedly has approached occupied vehicles and put its front paws on vehicles. Another report involves a collared bear within three feet of a 2-year-old child near the open door of a vehicle. The child’s mother scared off the bear with a wheelbarrow.
Rogers disputes that the collared bears are aggressive.
Early Monday, a homeowner killed a non-collared bear that refused to leave the homeowner’s porch. That bear is not believed to be part of a research project.
The lead researcher reccomends "diversionary feeding" to control bear problems. Sounds like an infirm grasp on reality and an emotional attachment to the bears.
"The state is now asking that hunters not shoot any collared bears. I don’t believe they have any legal right to make such a demand, so if you want to voluntarily give up a shot; that’s your business."