 |
|
Grizzly Reintroduction
Charlie Russell's and Maureen Enns's efforts
to reintroduce three orphaned grizzly bears to Kamchatka is one example
of the growing international efforts to restore wildlife to their rightful
place in the world. But sometimes restorationists want to put predators
like grizzlies back into places they haven't been seen in centuries,
sparking opposition from those who say dangerous animals just can't
coexist with people in some places anymore.
Humans have not always treated bears well. |
|
|
Controversy, for instance, surrounds a U.S. government proposal to reintroduce
grizzly bears into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness areas of Idaho and
western Montana. The preserves hold the largest contiguous area of suitable
grizzly-free habitat remaining in the lower 48 states. More than half
of those who opposed the reintroduction said in a recent poll that they
fear that the bears will threaten hikers and nearby residents. But the
National Wildlife Federation, which supports reintroduction, says bear
attack statistics suggest such fears are unfounded. Since 1900, they
note, the chance that a park visitor might be harmed by a bear is less
than 1 in 2 million.
"It is important to note that encounters with the bears are infrequent
because grizzlies do not naturally behave aggressively toward humans,"
a group spokesman says. "Grizzlies are solitary creatures and tend
not to wander beyond their home range, much less seek out interaction
with people. [They] do not attack people unless surprised, protecting
their food or young, or provoked by aggressive human behavior."
"No grizzly is going to come looking for you," adds Bud Moore,
a retired forester who sides with the federation and has lived in bear
country his entire life. "They don't want to mix with people."
Moore stresses that people must learn to be respectful of bears, rather
than fear them. Those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities like
camping, hiking, and hunting can take some simple precautions to prevent
chance encounters with grizzlies, according to the wildlife federation.
For instance:
- Grizzlies are most likely to attack if they
are surprised. Hikers that make noise on the trail or converse normally
within a group
will alert a bear to their presence long before they get close enough
to frighten it.
- Wilderness users should be alert for any sign
of bear activity, such as fresh tracks, droppings, or a carcass. If
you do come across such a sign, it is wise to turn back or take an
alternate route so as to avoid a confrontation.
- Grizzly females are very protective of their
young. While they may be cute, travelers should recognize grizzly
cubs as a sign of danger and avoid them at all times.
- Most importantly, be sure to store food and
garbage properly when in grizzly country. Place all foodstuffs in
commercially available bear-proof containers or suspend it out of
reach of bears. Campers should also cook away from their campsite
and sleep in different clothes than those they cooked in, as grizzlies
have an acute sense of smell.
The importance of keeping grizzlies out of human
food and garbage cannot be overemphasized, the National Wildlife Federation
says. Bears that become habituated present a danger because they lose
their shyness. Grizzlies that end up wandering around towns are bound
to get into trouble, bringing tragedy to both people and themselves.
But by using common sense, wilderness lovers can help make the outdoors
a safer place for both bears and humans.
|
|
 |
|
 
|
