Bear ignorance

Not since the 2004 referendum aimed at banning bear hunting was the general public’s ignorance of Maine black bears more evident than in the emotionally driven BDN reader comments disparaging game warden Jim Fahey for shooting a bear that became lost, confused, and potentially dangerous in a Bangor neighborhood last weekend.

Among the unfounded comments, many of which expressed anti-hunting, anti-gun and anti-game warden sentiment, was the statement that female black bears weigh 400 pounds, male black bears weigh 600 pounds.

The fact of the matter is that the average weight of an adult Maine black bear is about 130 pounds. Nevertheless, bears are cat-quick, incredibly strong and unpredictable. Obviously, the people gathered near the errant bear, rightfully shot by Fahey, were unaware of the risks involved.

The black bear is an extremely intelligent, resourceful and man-shy animal. However, it is known to attack, maul and kill when forced into a “fight or flight” situation.

Like all wildlife, bears are being forced out of their habitats by the continuous encroachment of civilization. So it was that a black bear’s life ended in a Bangor backyard last weekend. All told, it was an unfortunate way for such a remarkable animal to die. Jim Fahey would be the first to say that.

Tom Hennessey

Hampden