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THE FREE PRESS Thursday, July 18, 2013
Opinion
Phone: 250-423-4666 Email: editor@thefreepress.ca
Production Manager Bonny McLardy Creative Kaitlyn Haarstad Member of
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Andrea Horton
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Call 250-489-3455 or toll free 1-800-665-2382 for Subscriptions Established in Fernie, B.C. in 1898 and published weekly each Thursday by The Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and distributed throughout the Elk Valley and South Country. Free circulation 6,000. Reproductions of any material contained in this publication is forbidden without the prior consent of the publisher.
Editorial by Andrea Horton Living in bear country we have to learn to be bear aware in our everyday lives and not just when we are hiking the trails. Bear encounters can happen in our own backyards. We need to be mindful of our four legged neighbours and the fact that what we leave laying around outside can hurt them. Bears do wander into town looking for an easy meal, and unfortunately, when we leave our garbage and our pet food out they find it and it becomes an easy source for a meal. It is so sad to hear about a bear being put down because it has become habituated and that is exactly what happened on July 10. A black bear was destroyed after it was caught in a trap at the Fernie ski hill. It had apparently become very accustomed to humans and was roaming around the ski hill eating garbage and breaking into homes. This is not the first report of a bear encounter hitting a little too close to home. More and more bears are being reported near residential areas at the ski hill, as well as in West Fernie. It is the time of year when we need to be especially conscious of keeping our own homes bear aware. Saskatoon berries are starting to ripen at lower elevations, which can draw bears to valley bottoms near residential areas to feed. They are a great natural food source and a bear can eat a whopping 10,000 berries in one day. That means it’s our job to give the bears a chance to fill up on berries and keep all other temptations out of sight and smell. Consider thinning out any brush surrounding your property to reduce natural cover or installing motion-sensor lighting to ensure a clean light of sight and to discourage lingering bears. It’s not just about keeping your home safe and secure, it’s also about preventing the unnecessary destruction of bears. We are living in their backyard and after all, it’s the bears that pay the ultimate price – their lives.
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Letters to the Editor Response to Grizzly attack and "ShameShame" letter First and foremost we hope that the two hikers recover both physically and mentally from their experience on Mount Proctor. A bear attack can be a life changing experience. We agree with Mr. Caravetta that the two men were smart with their defense systems. Personally, with the increase in bear populations over the last ten years, when headed into the mountains, we will always take a firearm. With practice, a firearm is your best line of "defense" in the unfortunate event of a bear attack. Pepper spray has its place, and we do pack it in certain situations. One should also pack on their belt, a fixed blade knife as a last resort tool. When you are on the ground and a bear is attacking, the knife can be used in a last ditched effort to save your life. Mr. Barlow's comments to
the editor shows his lack of respect for the two hikers and their families and also proves the change in many peoples theories on bears and wildlife in general. Some call it the "Walt Disney" syndrome, Hollywood's spin on wildlife encounters has created a fictional persona that has led a generation of people in a direction that could place them in grave danger when entering the "REAL" wilderness. The animals that we encounter in the wilderness, are exactly that, "Wild", which means that they can also be very unpredictable, and the best thing that we can do for ourselves when venturing out, is to be prepared to protect ourselves. Mr. Barlow needs to realize that we the human beings of this world are at the top of the food chain, and we will do what it takes to protect ourselves from danger. Bears have their place, but our own personal safety comes first! So our bush skills have taught us when
in bear country, pack smart. A loaded shotgun or rifle, in hand or near by, a fixed blade knife, and yes pepper spray, but watch the wind, you may be the one on the ground incapacitated, and even easier pray for the bear when he or she decides to attack. A last rule of thumb is to use common sense. Take the time to understand the environment that you are about to embark into. Read Author Gary Sheldon's book "The Deadly Truth", and any other resource information that teaches you the common sense side of enjoying a day in the mountains. Bear, wolf, and cougar populations are on the increase, so go prepared and remember that you come first. To our families that await our safe return, we owe it to them to use the best defense resources/tools available to us. So throw away the bells and buy some bullets!!!! Regards,
Kent & Cheryl Petovello Elko, BC.
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