When Conditions Change, Should Wildlife Management Change Too?
By Naomi Riess | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
We have all heard the saying: A fed bear is a dead bear.
This year, Colorado is seeing what happens when nature runs short of food. In Southwest Colorado, drought and a late-spring freeze have severely reduced natural bear foods. Statewide, CPW has reported 8,672 bear-related sightings and incidents through August, 3.6 times the five-year average. Relocations are running 3.5 times the average and euthanizations 2.7 times the average.
A Durango bear was recently euthanized after being found in poor condition. A necropsy found its stomach and upper intestine completely blocked with trash. The bear was essentially starving to death.
We need to keep people from attracting bears. CPW worked with our local representative and...