Yellowstone Black Bear Euthanized
An article out of the Jackson Hole Daily highlights what can happen to bears when people feed them and they learn to equate humans with food.
On several occasions in the past two weeks, the brown-colored sub-adult bear had aggressively approached visitors in the Beaver Lake Picnic Area and the Indian Creek Campground, according to a press release. Rangers determined the bear was able to obtain a significant amount of human food.The bear, of course, had to be euthenised as it had become too aggressive towards people and it was just a matter of time before a more serious incident might occur.
“The bear was approaching people as they were eating and chasing them away from their picnic,” Nash said.
Repeated efforts by rangers to trap the bear near the picnic area and campground were unsuccessful. However, it was spotted walking next to a road Wednesday morning, allowing the animal to be successfully darted and captured by park staff members.
“Over the years we have worked very hard to educate visitors to their role in storing food safely, which directly results in a successful management of bears,” he said. “It doesn’t mean we don’t have the occasional instance but it is a rarity here.”
In the event that a bear does come in conflict with humans, killing the animal is a last resort, Nash said.
Bears are not normally an animal that the typical camping family should worry about encountering, but there are some normal camping and hiking procedures that should always be followed (for more information, visit the Center for Wildlife Information). First and foremost, just keep your campsite clean. Put food away, either in the on-site food locker or inside an enclosed vehicle and empty all trash containers into the on-site trash bins prior to turning-in for the night. Bears aside, keeping a clean campsite will also keep those pesky racoons at bay! When hiking, keep the family together and make plenty of noise (this should be no problem with the kids!) so that you do not inadvertantly surprise an animal. If you are planning to hike in bear country, carry bear pepper spray (not regular pepper spray - EPA-registered bear spray) and learn how to use it.
Encountering a black bear in the wild is highly unlikely, but like the article demonstrates, there are animals out there that have become used to our food and have lost their natural fear of humans. Taking appropriate precautions is the smart thing to do and it provides a great opportunity to educate your children about the difference between wild and domestic animals.
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