Bear Aware

[NorthIslander]

Just thought i would pass this news article along that I just came across.
Bear cubs being cared for by humans after mother bear shot up-island


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http://www.cfax1070.com/images/Stock_Images/bearcub-anews.jpgMay 18, 2011 Two bear cubs are being taken care of at a wildlife recovery centre after their mother was shot in the wilderness up-island.

Speaking to /A\ News Julie Mackey with the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington, says the mother bear was shot accidentally by a hunter, who didn't see the bear cubs before pulling the trigger.
"he had observed the adult bear on their own for quite some time, and it wasn't until after he had shot and killed the mom, that he realized that there were two cubs"
Volunteers at the centre are now working to keep the bear cubs healthy
"pablum, goats milk, a high calorie supplement, some vitamins, just to get as much fat and protein to them to help them grow"
The bear cubs will be released into the wild in 18 months time. The recovery centre says they will aim to keep human exposure to the cubs as minimal as possible to ensure a smooth transition back into the wild.
-Andrea Boyes with files from /A\ Vancouver Island
(image courtesy of /A\ Vancouver Island)

[greenhorn]

Good to see that they gave some credit to the hunter doing the right thing (observing before shooting). It'll be interesting to read the responses to your post.

Also interesting that they're going to release them. Didn't someone on the other post say that re-release was impossible?

[Darksith]

Even though we recognize the due diligence being taken by the hunter, Im sure the general public won't understand it. Its sad when this happens, but worse when it makes it to the media.

[nicholasbardon]

What the public doesn't realize is that this naturally occurs in the wild all the time and generally the cubs die at least this way they are being given a chance. I work in the public's eye and I always have to be very careful who I disclose to that I am a hunter. It's not the way it should be, hunting is arguably more ethical than eating meet from the grocery store.

[scallywag]

Shit happens atleast this hunter did the right thing. I hope he or she isn't in too much trouble. Those little buggers hide pretty dam good