Re: [Paddlewise] Bears

On 23 Jun 2003 at 15:14, Steve Cramer wrote:

> Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They say "In North America
> approximately 45 fatalities have been attributed to black bears since
> 1900. More than half of those fatalities have happened since 1970."
> That's not 3 people a year.

There was an article I read last year (year before? - can't remember 
where, though) concerning the increase in bear incidents in the last 
several decades.  There were several hypotheses, most of which run 
along the lines of the increase in pressure on bears (due to 
expansion of human occupied terrain since WWII and subsequent 
reduction of bear foraging areas) and the increase in numbers of 
people going into the wilderness without proper care to avoid bear 
encounters.

> kids' Mama would have kicked his butt good. So don't get between a
> mama and her cubs, even if you're a bear.

Never get between a female and her brood, regardless of species.  
Ever see a soccer mom foaming at the mouth? :-)

Mike

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