I think most people have a misconception of what a bear is and what it can do. They are powerful animals. The perception is not cute and cuddly creatures that Hollywood gives . There are numerous animated shows, TV series and movies that depict bears in a way that is so far from the truth. From Yogi to Gentle Ben, calling a bear gentle, who came up with that? I am sure it is unintended consequence of the shows, but people start to believe the bear’s behavior is predictable and non-violent. Hence the problem, the educated by a false impression are actually more detrimental to the bear then the hunter. They make the hunters task actually easer. The bear has no fear of the hunter. A bear that is not afraid of humans is the most dangerous. The anti-bear hunt groups all have a few things in common. They do not live with bears or have any inclination of what the problems that can occur with bears that do not perceive humans as a threat. The true “Problem bear” only exists in rare occasions and more likely then not, there is an issue with the bear’s health. When a headline suggests a problem bear, the problem was caused by human’s way before bear became a problem. The bear only knows what he is taught. He associates humans with an easy meal, then that is what it will do. The only solution to the problem is education and show graphic images on how powerful a bear is and what it is capable of doing. I don’t understand why the parks and states do not have this approach. Putting up a sign Your in bear country or don’t feed the wildlife is ineffective.
