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I think anything that scales back the hunt in any manner is an improvement. We are still opposed to the hunt statewide. We just feel bears should not be hunted, period.
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Breaking News | Press Archive
21 Feb 11
An escalating situation: In less than 2 days, Tahoe bear trap incident morphs into a much larger issue of public safety
18 Feb 11


As Paul Harvey would say, "…and now you have the rest of the story…"

Last summer, Mama Bear and her two cubs moved into a Galena neighborhood. One day, Mama Bear pokes her head through an open window to obtain a bag of dog food.

Residents called the Nevada Department of Wildlife asking for advice.

Enter our Hero from NDOW ? dun, dun, duh-dah! "I'm here to save the day," he says and sets traps. Horrified residents say, "We just want you to scare them away." Hero replies, "I'm trapping them to take them to Idaho!"

He captures Mama Bear, leaving the two cubs crying in the yard. Someone thinks to call the BEAR League, 530-525-PAWS. Staff at the BEAR League tells the residents that he can't be transporting Mama to Idaho as this is not legal. Staff instructs the residents to call NDOW again. They are told that Mama has been destroyed. But that means Hero lied! Gasp! Outraged residents insist that the cubs be captured and cared for.

That is the true story of the two cubs, depicted in a RGJ story [Feb. 10] as having been "rescued" by our Hero and NDOW.

Toree Warfield, Incline Village
6 Jan 11

Nevada's second bear-hunting season would be shorter and no hunting allowed within the Lake Tahoe Basin under new regulations proposed by Nevada wildlife officials.

The proposal will be considered early next month in Las Vegas as the Nevada Wildlife Commission reviews hunting season regulations proposed for black bears and all other big-game animals. Discussions come a month after the state ended its inaugural bear season amid widespread controversy that shows little sign of dissipating.

One significant change would prohibit bear hunting west of the Tahoe Rim Trail, effectively barring all hunting within the Tahoe Basin, said Chris Healy, spokesman for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. The season's opening would come be Sept. 15 rather than Aug. 20, a change Healy said was requested by hunters to avoid summer heat hard on both them and their dogs…

"I think anything that scales back the hunt in any manner is an improvement," said Kathryn Bricker, executive director of NoBearHuntNV.org. "We are still opposed to the hunt statewide. We just feel bears should not be hunted, period."


Marilyn Newton/RGJ Larger.

ONGOING!
NoBearHuntNV.org/Petition
NoBearHuntNV.org will not rest until every person in Nevada who is opposed to the bear hunt has been given an opportunity to add their names to our petition and their voices to our growing cry, "NO BEAR HUNT IN NV!"

You can help by clicking here.

Famed Internet Bear Shot by Hunter
Nevada Bear Hunt Is Permanent by
Unanimous Vote
Sat, 24 Sep 2011, 10:37:03AM
In honor of the Nevada Day Parade with NDoW's Chris Healy sharing the Grand Marshall float with the now hunted Smokey the Bear.

I Want To Kill A Bear (A Redneck Sonnet)
by Dan Slider and The Nevada Destroyers
9.26.2011
INTERACTIVE
Dear Commissioners, what part about "public opinion is against this hunt" do you not understand?

Click to vote.
More Polls
    
The NoBearHuntNV.org Murder Map
Bears are so human-like many believe killing them is murder.


Our background is black only during hunting season.

For details about the bears Nevada has lost, see our interactive Murder Map.
From the NoBearHuntNV.org Channel:

Public Comment to Wildlife Commission, December 3-4, 2o1o

Save Our Bears Demonstration, Incline Village, 16 September 2o11
ACTIVISM
Incline Rally, 16 Sep, 5:30p.
 
 
Caring for Urban Bears

NoBearHuntNV.org is dedicated to fewer bear deaths by ending hunting them and by reducing the incidences of urban bear conflicts.

Please see our "Urban Bears" page to find out how you can help with the Wall of Shame project.
Recent News Full Press Archive
RGJ | 13 Sep
Nevada bear hunt opponents file petition seeking Endangered Species Act listing

The recent article reporting Big Wildlife and NoBearHuntNV.org's petition filed with the Dept of the Interior to have Nevada's black bears classified as a distinct species was incorrect.

The petition asked that the Sky Island black bears be given protection as a distinct POPULATION. This is a similar status as has been given Florida's bears in the past. While not genetically distinct, their population was being threatened by the number being killed by cars.

Independent review of all available data on Nevada's wild land bears shows their population is diminishing rapidly as bears are relocating into the human interface. Hunting is scientifically proven not only to reduce the number of bears in the wild land where they are hunted, but to also cause wild land bears to relocate to the human interface. This dynamic has put the Sky Island black bears at great risk.
Letter | 31 Aug

I am writing in reference to the scientific data presented by Mr. Lackey with respect to the bear hunt. I also have a biology degree, but chose to pursue a career in medicine. I have read all of the studies NDoW has online, but remain perplexed about the results.

The estimated bear population in the 2011 paper is 200-300 individuals with a 16% increase per year. There is no data given to support this claim. Just taking the common sense approach, if the population has not significantly increased since 1990, ie 150-290 v. 200-300, it is difficult to accept the theoretical 16% increase per year.

More…
"This video was shot less than 1/2 mile away from a hunt zone. WHY do the hunters want to shoot them?" —Madonna Dunbar.
What people are saying. Comments from NDoW Emails, petition signatures, letters to editors.
Mouse over to stop ticker. Click for a full page.
“
• Bears are to Tahoe and the Tahoe region, what the American Bald Eagle is to America. It is our icon, it is what defines us as a community. Why would we allow the killing of these gentle giants for sport? It is so appauling, I am crying inside today. •I am outraged and repulsed by the actions of the Nevada Wildlife Commission which authorized the slaughter of our Black Bears. We live in Incline Village and have watched the infrequent presence our black bears who are so peaceful and non-confrontational. • Yes, Nevada, add bears to the mustangs on your list of animals to get rid of. I am not spending any tourist dollars in NV until this madness stops. •NJ passed a bear hunt recently and it's done absolutely nothing to cut down on the amout of bears in people's yards. All it's doing is killing bears that aren't a problem in the first place. Please don't pass this. Pass a law that fines people for not properly storing garbage and feeding bears! • What the people of Nevada should do is, on the day of the hunt Ye should dress up in bear costumes in the woods as a protest. Until these issues are fully and scientifically evaluated this bear hunt must be tabled. • I believe the bears have as much right to live as do the hunters, ergo, I believe the hunt should be cancelled. • These bears will be hunted down only for the most useless needless causes. Their heads, their fur. We don't need heads of slaughtered innocent animals hanging arounnd our houses nor do we need fur. • Wtf is wrong with you? "Because we can"? The idea of DOMINION sucks- these bears were not put here for you to enjoy killing them, you arrogant fools. I wish someone would treat you with the same cavalier callousness that you display. Just because they can. • I am adamantly opposed to this hunt. • I am a life-long resident of the Sierra and a gun enthusiast. I think this Hunt is ridiculous and the decision should be reversed. The bears are as much part of the attraction of living here as Lake Tahoe. • As a hunter, I see no sport in what would be like shooting a cow. The Black Bear is not by nature aggressive to man and hence would stand watching as a "sportsman" takes down this animal. • This bear hunt will do nothing to cull the so called problem bears that interface with humans and their garbage. This is more about a group of eight individuals who are drunk with power and are hell bent to shove this hunt down the majority's throats no matter the consequences! For some reason I thought the NDOW was supposed to have our wildlife's best interest at heart but alas it is yet another case of a government entity run amuck where the 'good ole boys' and hunters are obviously in bed together. • First let me state that I am a conservative and I am a hunter... However, I am clearly opposed to a Black Bear Hunt in the Tahoe area. • If a bear is dangerous to humans than it will and should be put down, but not killed for the heck of it. • I think some public protest should be made so this message is sent all over Truckee Meadows • As an ex-archery hunter, I find it appalling that you are going to allow dogs to be used in your so called bear hunt. • Yes- in our modern world, it is necessary for wildlife to be managed, however- wildlife management is defined as, "the application of ecological knowledge to populations of animals in a manner that strikes a balance between the needs of the populations and the needs of the people". Harvesting bears because of a human induced reason, and not providing the real solution is irresponsible and shameful. • How many on the commission (are) hunters? Let's let the voters decide... The hunter(s) are not the majority on the issue. • Per the "predator hunt" to increase the mule deer population, the people who proposed this idea have the short term in mind, have a vested interest in the idea and just don't want to comprehend the natural ebb and flow of populations vis a vis climate. • Man has pushed away the Native Americans, man is rounding up the wild mustangs, and now wants to kill the bears. Are we human, or inhumane? It's time to respect all living things and give them their space. • THIS CHRISTIAN PRAYS AGAINST SUCH EVENT AS IT IS NOT IN KEEPING WITH CHRIST'S TEACHINGS TO LOVE! • The people behind allowing this to be approve should be ashamed of themselves. If we believe we are a part of the interdependent web of all life and all things living - this is unconscionable. • How about letting these would be hunters know they need to grow up, and learn how to have self-esteem, not earned by the feel of killing just so they can blow out their chest everytime they look at a stuffed animal body, or its head on their wall? These kind of hunters are really just sick souls who should not be pandered to, and need to be made known worldwide what in reality they really are-Murderers. God help our wild animals who need protection from idiots who love to KILL, "because they can", and the ones in power who make it possible. • If the article in the Wall Street Journal is any indication, Mr. Lackey's desire to kill this bear seems more like a personal challenge and vendetta giving satisfaction rather than an appropriate response to remove the bear to a better location. • I used to live in Montana and every year someone was killed during hunting season. • The proposed hunt has the potential of making unfavorable, national headlines for our state. • Take a picture of the bear you stalk. Shoot it with a camera. If the hunt is the sport, that should be adequate. Bear meat is gamey and greasy tasting; I have had it. It is a waste of a life for not such great meat. If it's about the meat, I propose bear farming...there's an idea that could work. • I do not feel that Issuing tags to hunt is a good idea. As stated there are 300-500 bears, If you issue the tags we will have 000. • Can't you see this will just cause more problems in the long run... Nobody EATS bear meat. And what will you do with all the orphans who go out and wander into towns looking and crying for their slaughtered mothers.. kill them all too?... CANT you see what is wrong with this picture? • I am a veterinarian opposed to this form of animal cruelty from neighboring South Lake Tahoe. • I encourage the NDOW to learn form the proven practices of the National Park Service, such as in Yosemite NP. • Not worth the risks. • Have we created a friendly environment for bears and are now going to shoot them. Is there no other way to share the land with the bears. It's like putting pigeons in a cage then releasing them only to shoot them for sport. • I think some public protest should be made so this message is sent all over Truckee Meadows • NJ's 2o1o bear hunt was a tragedy, Please set the humane example for the nation. • As an ex-archery hunter, I find it appalling that you are going to allow dogs to be used in your so called bear hunt. • Hunting the bears is easier than giving their territory back. It's wrong to punish the bears with this proposed bear hunt, and we ALL know it. • Why kill just because we can? • This is the biggest scam ever. This the most stacked committee for hunting imaginable. And they are unconscionable arrogant. • I am a life-long resident of the Sierra and a gun enthusiast. I think this Hunt is ridiculous and the decision should be reversed. The bears are as much part of the attraction of living here as Lake Tahoe. • We are the intruders in THEIR turf. They are frequently in my neighborhood and I LOVE them dearly and delight in their visits from a far...........We need to revere and respect these magnificent creatures, not decimate them..... • How can the BEAR population remain stable when the mindless hunter will kill any mature BEAR, male or female leaving the off spring orphaned? • I live in Glenbrook, Nevada and we used to have a problem with bears. However, our community now has several bear proof containers, plus most of the houses have installed private bear proof containers. • Our bear problem has been solved as I rarely see a bear and I do not believe that any houses have been broken into or damaged by bears for some time. • The mentality of shooting our wildlife makes me ashamed of us. It's a gift to be sharing space with other species. It is our responsibility, as residents, to help protect our wildlife. Can we have more public and media attention and pressure to bring residents and visitors the understanding that is needed? • I don't know what animals think......but I have to think that they are scared ****LESS from unconcerned hunters wanting their blood due to some unsatiable lust for killing just for killings sake..that in and of itself is SICK>>>>>>>>>>>>> ...animals have feelings and they certainly care about us..(ever have a dog??)...Take care and may God have mercy................ • I think some public protest should be made so this message is sent all over Truckee Meadows • How anyone could think that bow hunting would be a good idea is beyond me! Especially in this day and age, it's unconscionable and totally horrific!! • Bears are the constant and humans are the variable. We are destroying their habitats, leaving them less and less area to live • How can you people even sleep at night...no conscience. • It is a shame for mankind to shoot wild animals just for fun! • I am a life-long resident of the Sierra and a gun enthusiast. I think this Hunt is ridiculous and the decision should be reversed. The bears are as much part of the attraction of living here as Lake Tahoe. • As a hunter, I see no sport in what would be like shooting a cow. The Black Bear is not by nature aggressive to man and hence would stand watching as a "sportsman" takes down this animal. • We need to put our efforts into educating people on how to interact with bears properly and how to keep them safe, not on how to kill them. Why drive even more bears into our community by actively trying to kill them in our forests? • Allowing bear hunting in these areas might give potential vistors to the region a reason to take their families and their money on a vacation elsewhere. • The idea we have to kill bears in order to protect neighborhoods is pure BS. • In the past couple of months, I've talked to a number of people about the hunt, and I've not found one person in favor. • We are loosing biodfiversity to our eventual cost. When will we learn to value it? When It's too late? • This is the biggest scam ever. This the most stacked committee for hunting imaginable. And they are unconscionable arrogant. • "Because we can?" What a stupid, asinine statement. I am too appalled at any person with authority making a statement like that. I cannot believe it. I think they ought to be fired or resign on the spot. Get them out of the way for someone who deserves the post. Stupid, stupid man. "Because we can." I can write a nasty letter, too, "because I can." I am a decorated 90-year-old WW2 veteran, 1st Lt., ARMY Nurse Corps and did not give my time for "leadership" like this. • Where is the respect for nature and all that it inhabits??!!! • Without a statistical analysis and a bear management plan, how do we know it is right for the ecosystem to hunt bears? • Not one person I know supports this hunt. In fact they are horrified that we encroach on bear habitat as we do, then use bear/human interface problems as an excuse to hunt these beautiful and intelligent animals. • As an avid backcountry hiker, I have often come upon bears only to find them wanting the same peace that I am seeking. Why is your first resort to load a gun? • We are supposed to be a little more civilzed society these days and it's not like people are in need of the food like the old days. This cruel and inhumane 'sport' must stop. • I like to hike and snowshoe. I don't want to worry about another Dick Cheney hiding behind a tree. • I am a lifelong big game hunter, since I was 12 years old. I have lived and hunted in Nevada since 1979. I do not want to see a black bear hunt in my state... There is no good reason to hunt our black bears. To satisfy the wishes of some Nevada big game hunters is not an acceptable reason. I am one big game hunter that does not want a black bear hunt in Nevada. • This is an outrageous idea! Stop the rich people from tearing up the mountains with their million dollar homes, which actually belongs to the bears!! How can our country turn out so selfish!? • Hunting bears in Nevada makes no sense • LEAVE THE BEARS ALONE!!! • I live off Mt Rose Highway and the thought of hunting bears makes my stomach turn and I find it revolting (an MD). • I have hunted small game all my life, mainly game birds and water fowl in my adult years, but have never considered hunting large mammals and especially not black bears or other large carnivores. • I cannot believe that the only solution this group of smart people came up with is to kill Bears to control the population. • We are strongly opposed to this disrepectful handling of the creatures with whom we share our environment. • The idea of hunting bears is ridiculous and unethical. • Please stop the Bear Hunt and put in place stronger measures to deal with our trash!! • In my opinion, your proposed bear hunts are a disgrace. • I just find it hard to believe that what are supposed to be responsible, sensible people (you) entrusted by the people of your state will allow such a horrible thing to happen just because a few greedy, insecure, small-minded men want to be able to "brag" about a bear head on their wall. So the lives of sentient beings have to be taken all for what? Give me a break! • What are you thinking? Man is supposedly the humane creature. Help teach our young people growing up that we need to respect our wildlife and all of God's creatures. • You are the Department of Wildlife, not the Department of Hunting and Killing. I urge you to do your job! • No! No and no to this!!!!! Are you crazy?!? Please, don't do it! • I suspect that this is a case of "good old boy" wanting to kill something mentality. • Instead of a bear hunt, let's put the money into education and better waste managment practices. Let's make people responsible for creating the bear problem when applicable, such as improperly secured garbage cans, poor practices when camping, leavng out dog food over night, etc. We live in bear contry, let's be responsible! A bear hunt will NOT resolve the problems created by irresponsible and ignorant citizens! —
”
"This could end up costing [the people of Nevada] money."
-NDoW Spokesman Chris Healy, 2/17/2o11.
"I don't think that a justification for this hunt has anything to do with urban bear conflicts... I don't think it has anything to do with population control. I don't think it has anything to do with safety... we hunt them because we can."
—Wildlife Commissioner McBeath after unanimous bear hunt vote, 12/o3/2o1o.

"I do not retract that statement."
—Wildlife Commission Chair McBeath after unanimous bear hunt vote, 09/24/2o11.
"Nevada's population of black bears is estimated to be around 200 animals.

This relatively low number in combination with fragmented black bear habitat has led to the protected status of the animal in Nevada."

—NDoW © 2o1o.
Photo © Mark Smith, 2o11—All Rights Reserved—
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