Bear Population Increase?
Another, wandering, bear story is in the news today, and it doesn’t surprise me at all. Since the anti-hunting crowd shut down our regular bear season, here in Michigan, nuisance bear complaints have been on the increase. The bear, in the top photo, was shot when you could buy a license over the counter. Back then the anti’s brought a suit against the Michigan Dept of Natural Resources, with unsubstantiated claims that too many bear were being harvested in our state. Michigan had to do a very expensive study on how hunting effects the overall black bear population, and with pressure from ” People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,” our preference point system was born. The actual harvest figures have changed very little since the number of bear hunters, allowed to hunt, has been limited.
Just yesterday a “misguided,” or just plane hungry, black bear had the misfortune of running into a policeman, who also bear hunts. Officer Troy Gilleylen, and his armed comrades swarmed the area (in Battle Creek) where the bear had been spotted. Four rounds (probably 9mm.) were pumped into this marauding bear, but it still managed to run for several blocks, and climb a tree. As of this report there has been no evidence that the bear had actually hurt anyone, or done any damage. The D.N.R. was not given a chance to “dart” the uninvited guest, who no doubt was just looking for an easy meal. It was reported that the bear weighed between 200-250 pounds, but I saw the pictures, and I’d say more like 150 pounds. If you want to read the whole story, and see the pictures, go to BattleCreekEnquirer.com.
Now as far as I’m concerned one can indirectly blame the anti-hunting crowd for the untimely death of this fine game animal. I do not know if it was male or female, but if it was a female there are probably cubs involved, who will not be able to fend for themselves. The simple fact is that black bear are expanding their range here in Michigan do to an increase in the bear population. Adult bear are very territorial, and don’t build neighborhoods, like we humans do! A mature male bear will not tolerate another male bear living or moving into his neck-of-the-woods! Over the last several years bear have been spotted in Bay City, just north of Lansing, around Grand Rapids, and now Battle Creek! The D.N.R. reported that this is the furthest south a bear has ever been reported, but I’ve talked to two different farmers, in Hillsdale, that have seen bear!
For all we know they could be expanding their range from south of here. I understand that civilization encroachment, certainly plays a part in the life of black bears, along with the amount of wilderness available to them. Bears are basically nocturnal, elusive, and shy, so it just isn’t natural to find bear’s in suburbia, unless their being forced there by overcrowding, and lack of habitat!
As more bears are forced into towns, and villages, more will be shot, and you won’t hear a word from “PETA!” I wouldn’t doubt that some people, living on the outskirts of these “new” bear area’s, shoot now, and ask questions later! Probably more than a few of these “wanderers” will be thrown in a hole, and the town secret will never be revealed. In the meantime hunters like myself can only hope for a permit once ever 5-years. Now much of the time, my money is spent out of state, including Canada where I can bear hunt every year.
I for one, am not convinced, that the new way is in the best interest of the bear, bear hunters, or the states economy! The old way worked for decades, and provided some of the best family hunting opportunities Michiganders ever had. It wasn’t broke-why did they have to fix it?
Mike
May 20th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I am hoping Mike, that as more evidence comes to light that these bears are moving south, that maybe the DNR will take a second look at their policies. I know they would run into opposition, but obviously the bear population is on the rise if these bear are moving south and into people’s neighborhoods.
I don’t doubt the existence of bear in Hillsdale at all. Just at the beginning of this year a neighbor of my father-in-laws in Olivet told him she had seen a bear on his property and I believe her.
Regardless of the laws, I honestly think it is pretty cool that they are coming this far south. I would however, like to see a different permit system put in place.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
This seems to be a very scary problem. Think about all the small children playing in the neighborhoods. It is very sad that it is going to take a horrible tragedy to get someone’s attention. Let’s hope this does not happen!