Another wrongful killing in GSMNP
Once again the biologists in GSMNP killed a bear they wrongly thought bit a sleeping hiker. See the news section at nationalparkstraveler.com if you want the story.
Given the circumstances, the Ranger's decision seem to have been entirely appropriate. I wish them the best of luck finding the one that bit the thru-hiker at Spence Field, and putting it down.
If you read the entire article, you know that it was not a simple decision, nor was killing the bear their first choice.
They tried to fit the bear with a radio collar so that they could release it until DNA tests were in, but this particular bear had a neck that was bigger than his head. He would have easily removed the collar once awake. In the interest of human safety, they decided to euthanize the bear. I think they acted appropriately.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Formerly uhfox
Springer to Bear Mountain Inn, NY
N Adams, MA to Clarendon VT
Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch
It was to cover their ar$e.
If they did nothing and someone was injured again there would be lawsuit and people would be fired.
By killing a bear, one they can claim was the most likely one, they prevent that.
If you were charged with making a decision, which would be your greater concern -- that someone was injured because of your failure to perform your duties, or that the National Park Service would be sued because of your failure to perform your duties?Originally Posted by MuddyWaters
The Rangers made the right decision, and one that will allow them to sleep soundly. Had they gone another route, my guess is that it would not have been fear of a lawsuit that would haunt thier mind at 3 o'clock in the morning.
Of course, everyone is different.
Did you read the article? The plan was to put a tracking collar on the bear, but that was not possible due to the size of the bear's neck. If they just wanted to kill any bear they could have done it without all that time and effort.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Formerly uhfox
Springer to Bear Mountain Inn, NY
N Adams, MA to Clarendon VT
Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch
I got a free download link on this site for "Bear in the Back Seat". It was written by the Chief Wildlife ranger at GSMNP about his career managing the wildlife in the park. Most of the book is about bears and it was clear the rangers really care for all of those animals, but they have to protect the human visitors. Most of the time, unacceptable animal behavior is a direct result of humans breaking rules, but the animals have to pay. Don't blame the rangers. Really interesting book and makes you think differently when you read stories like this one.
Nothing wrongful about it. TOOOO many bear in the area. They need to be thinned out. Over population means disease and hunger. Which means more unwanted encounters,injury and left unchecked possible....well. There is also over population is the shennies. Just a matter of time.
TOOOO many humans in the area. Smokies has 11 million humans thru the year, bears have around 1,500. Do the math. In the very least close automobile access in the park. Tourists need to be thinned out.
How was the plan to put a tracking collar on a bear, any old bear they found, not a bear shown to be linked to the incident, a "reasonable" plan in any way?
The bear was a scapegoat.
The incidents are exactly the same wherever they happen. Bear, cougar, shark, alligator, doesnt matter. Always exactly the same response.
Last edited by MuddyWaters; 05-25-2016 at 22:19.
The tracking collar was so that they could find the bear once the DNA results were in. You should read the article.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Formerly uhfox
Springer to Bear Mountain Inn, NY
N Adams, MA to Clarendon VT
Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch
And what good exactly does finding the wrong bear again do?
Please explain.
Yes there are tooo many people in the park, but you might want to go back and do the math. Bear numbers have never been so high than they are now. Nothing even close. It is an un-natural concentration of bear... and humans. I am surprised there are not more attacks.
Well said Tipi. That is if closing the park to vehicles means those people go back home and don't come stampeding over to my favorite areas.
And what good exactly does finding the wrong bear again do?
Please explain.
it appeases the people who get mad that the wrong bear was put down........
Too bad we can't put gps collars on odors that can be perceived as food-like by bears. For then we could track, relocate, and attempt to educate the humans that are attracting bears to shelters, campsites, etc.. It seems to have been proven that black bears are not attracted to the smell of cotton, nylon, cuben fiber, or hiker stench.
August,
If you have not done so already, you might want to read the post of the thru hiker who was bitten. It is #114 in this thread (you may need to scroll back to post 114):
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/showthre...ighlight=Rickb
That thread also provides a link to the thru hikers blog that provides much more detail.
Last edited by rickb; 05-26-2016 at 07:05.
I'm not a park ranger, but I've been a public servant for 30 years, and this thread highlights why I can't wait for retirement and would never advise any young person to go into public service. You can't win, no matter what you do.
"You're a nearsighted, bitter old fool."
Thanks for sharing that rickb. I look forward to reading the hiker's story.
The hiker's story seems to me to indicate the bear was just on a serious hunt. He went to the opposite end from where the hiker's pack was. One would think the pack would have been the attractant.
" Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. "
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
