Dear editor:
Re: Grizzly Killed, Left In River With Head, Paws Cut Off, Was Well-Known Yellowstone Bear
This gruesome and disturbing story perfectly illustrates what happens when we label an animal as a “pest," instead of asking what the real problem is.
This bear was not interested in humans, he was interested in food.
The garbage left out, and insecure buildings full of interesting smells, were the problem, not the bear.
Attempting to trap him was pointless, as the real issue was never addressed. Shooting him (which can not be described as defensive, since he was outside and not attacking people), was completely unnecessary.
All shooting and dismemberment of the bear did was to get people angry at the conservation officer service.
Shockingly, their press release actually thanks their team and the public for “helping to safely remove the bear."
Killing will never solve the issue with garbage or insecure buildings. Unless strict bylaws regarding waste management and building codes are put into place and strictly enforced, the killing will continue.
Nicole Corrado
Beaconsfield, Quebec
