Forrest: Taking non-lethal precautions toward bears

Thinking the recent shooting of a mother bear in Willits could have been prevented by notifying Colorado Parks and Wildlife is naive. I would like the community to know that I did in fact notify our local wildlife officer of the presence of these bears in El Jebel. I even sent pictures of the bears in my neighbor’s yard. They match the photo printed in the paper as to their coloring which varies among bears.

We all know they are here. They leave their scat. They had been visiting my neighborhood on a regular basis. In fact, I suspect that this same bear was in my fountain about four years ago at 4:30 p.m. The bear had caused concern among my neighbors, many of whom saw it during the daylight hours when children were present. I contacted the Department of Wildlife on that ocassion, provided photos, and yes, they did look for it but were unable to locate it. It’s been in my yard at least four times. I’ve encountered bears seven or more times living here.

My question is what caused someone to shoot her? Who shoots a weapon in a residential neighborhood? Didn’t he have bear spray? I do. Was this truely an emergency where a life was threatened? Shame on you whoever did this and shame on the folks that don’t secure their trash, bird seed, etc. My concern is whether the cubs can survive the hybernation without their mother after they are released. Please take non-lethal precautions to protect yourself and the wildlife whose territory we occupy! The other option, move back to the city.

Barb Forrest

El Jebel