re: Officials euthanize black bear caught roaming north Baton Rouge

man it is gonna suck having riots and protests ruin the NBR and Scotlandville area

Irony...

Black bear lives matter

quote:

---

You mean to tell me the zoo wouldn’t have taken it..?

---

I thought the same thing but didn’t know if there is a worry of introducing disease or if they even would have had a place for it

Eta:

quote:

---

goofball

---

I see ya...

quote:

---

Just go in the middle of nowhere and drop it off..

---

They caught one in our area last year. Relocated it over 50 miles away and in two weeks it was back.

LDWF couldn't figure out a different way to handle this?? Move the fricking bear.

Has anyone said they should have shot it in the leg yet?

You can't really do that with Ursines. Once they discover a source of easy food. They don't stop. And they quickly lose their fear of human activity. So they either find their way back real quick. Or they have a dangerous encounter with people sooner rather than later.

quote:

---

Isn't this behavior commonplace in Tennessee near the Smokies? Do they euthanize those bears that enter neighborhoods eating from garbage cans?

---

Yes, it is commonplace there. And it isn't uncommon to have to euthanize a black bear if it becomes too comfortable around and/or loses its fear of humans. They are still wild, dangerous animals even if they hang around where humans gather or live and even seem to be nonthreatening in their actions.

There is a two-fold problem. Due to conservation efforts, the black bear's population is booming. Their range used to be huge with breeding populations in areas that rarely see them now. As their population has increased over the past couple of decades, they have naturally increased their range again. In areas where black bears were rarely, if ever seen, it is becoming more common to spot them.

Now, consider that humans are steadily encroaching on their natural habitats, putting more bears in contact with humans as both go about their normal, daily activities. We, meaning wildlife departments and citizens, are at a point where control/management of the black bear species is needed. There are efforts, with hunting seasons, relocation, and habitat management that are in place. Unfortunately, instances of conflict like these, and management of those conflicts, are a necessary part of ensuring that the species continues to thrive. A public that is scared of an uncontrolled species can very well do more harm to that species than strategic management by Fish and Wildlife Departments who know how to properly maintain the species.