Author Topic: Bear Shot (Read 718 times)

Old Moss · « **on:** August 03, 2005, 08:52:03 PM »

Below is a post from another board and also found in the AD News. I'm so angry at this point I can't comment. Please read, and say a prayer for this $@^%#&* cause he will needed it!!!

"According to an angler from Alaska Journal forum who spoke with F&G on Tuesday evening the sow was shot and wounded from accross the river by some idiot. It appears F&G had to finish her off. The person denied shooting the bear, but a spent casing was confiscated that matched a gun he had. Probably more details to come...
The bears stayed to themselves. What was this guy thinking?
ADNews
Bear sow shot, 'left to rot' at Russian River
Published: August 3rd, 2005
Last Modified: August 3rd, 2005 at 02:13 PM

A brown bear sow was found dead in the woods near a popular fishing hole of the Russian River Tuesday afternoon, apparently shot with a rifle and left for dead, according to a spokesman for the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

"It appears as if a grizzly bear has been killed for the wrong reasons and left to rot," said refuge deputy manager Jim Hall. "And, as a result of someone's irresponsible action, or what appears to be irresponsible actions at this point in time, other people were put in danger.

The bear's three half-grown cubs -- 2-year-olds that weigh more than 200 pounds each -- became agitated and charged a federal officer investigating the scene. Earlier reports suggest that the bear might have been wounded and alive as early as Sunday, according to area wildlife biologist Jeff Selinger, with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The ferry that carries people across the Kenai River to the Russian fishing area was closed between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. after a young adult bear, possibly one of the three cubs, chased anglers and "drove" them toward the ferry landing, said Jim Hall, refuge deputy manager.

The ferry started operating as scheduled early Wednesday morning, and the few anglers present hadn't reported any bear problems, said Dianne Owen, who operates the concession.

An investigation to find out who shot the bear and why is now under way, Hall said.

I'm very concerned for some of our future rights, if this kind of thing keeps happening. Not to say the complete irresponsibility of a so called sportsman. Caneing would be appropriate in this case. Old Moss :evil:

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 04, 2005, 01:18:04 PM »

I have seen that sow and her cubs several times this year and they never seemed agressive. They would usually mosey on down to the water and me and my friends would calmly leave the water to them. Some people are just too scared of bears to know enought o leave them be. The guy probably freaked out because the bear was closer than 100 yards to him and shot her. Its very sad, I actually enjoyed the few times that I got to see them. I just hope that the cubs don't become a problem, and have to be killed too. THey are now scared and confused, not a good combination for a set of three adolesent brown bears that are in close contact with people. Many of these people are either tourists or just plain unexperienced with true wilderness and don't act smart around these animals.

Old Moss · « **Reply #2 on:** August 04, 2005, 01:54:39 PM »

Thebear_78

Its a shame that some people who take up the great sport of fishing/hunting/camping/hiking and all other outdoor sports do not realize the great responsibility they are taking on. To be an "outdoorsman or woman" one must not just go out to take what they want but to respect and give back as much or more. I had the great privilege to go through the same 60-hr German hunting course that the nationals have to go through. It taught me a great deal about the history and heritage of hunting and to how to respect and understand our natural resources. It further taught me the responsibility that goes along with being part of the great outdoors.

I hope that there were no other folks around when this shooting occurred. This would mean that their inaction made them just as guilty.

As Alaskan Outdoorsman & Women (which I'm proud to count myself as one) what can we do to help these individuals who do not know better or who do not care (which is what scares me the most)? :? We need to take this into consideration as much as other issues cause this is where our rights begin to be removed if we don't. :cry: Educating our Children and Grandchildren is a start. But what about the person we overhear in Wal-mart saying something dumb? The sales person can't say anything their trying to make a sale. But we as responsible individuals should make sure that the individual is educated. No, some will not be receptive but we should try. Be respectful and do not get into an argument, just be friendly. It just may go a long way to keeping our hunting heritage and who knows you may just make a new friend. Thanks Old Moss

Sourdough · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2005, 04:57:41 PM »

The biologist in the area said that the cubs would sometimes get out of line but the old sow would come along and take them away, or make them leave things alone. She had been keeping the cubs in line. Now without her guidence the cubs are likely to get into trouble. When they start getting too aggressive, no doubt they will be shot. It's just a matter of time now. And before people start asking why don't they just relocate them, It's not practical here in alaska. Too many bears, and they tend to return. Also why remove a problem bear to a new location where they will now be a problem to someone else.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2005, 10:32:27 AM »

Yes, a shame......how, in such a big state, do they find a dead animal, I mean, aren't the odd against finding a dead animal?

Old Moss · « **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2005, 06:12:47 PM »

Victor Charlie, Yes it is a shame on many levels. As for your question, in an area as well traveled and as busy as the Ferry area of the Russian/Kenia it is not very hard to find something as big as a sow grizzly. Plus the individuals who found the bear are very good at what they do. the signs are there just like when hunting; if an animal is wounded the signs to find the animal are there you just have to know what to look for, be tenacious, and have a little luck.

Remember in a crime even one which may not be premeditated, the "ODDS" are always against the perpetrator. In this case the cubs charged the folks investigating the unusual behavior of the cubs with no sign of mom. This unusual behavior made the folks just that much more curious and when they returned they expanded their search to include investigating a few crows circling an area near the river. Look for scavengers and you'll usually find a carcass.

Has anyone heard any new info on the case? Thanks Old Moss

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** August 08, 2005, 09:34:34 PM »

The bozo that did this is a criminal, plain and simple, and he should be treated as such.

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 13, 2005, 10:52:42 AM »

Glad to see they charged him, sad to see he is from anchorage.

I'm pretty sure that I saw him the day before walking down the steps at grayling parking area with the sks strapped across his back. Its a shame and I hope he pays dearly.