I’ve been reading with great interest the letters written concerning Warden Jim Fahey’s decision to use lethal force on the black bear last month.

In regards to the letter from Bob Brooks (former zookeeper), he had the luxury of knowing what animals he would be dealing with every day and their approximate weights. It was his job to have the correct dosage tranquilizer available when he needed it.

Warden Fahey did not have that luxury. That option was not available to him. His only two options were to let the public be in danger or dispatch the animal. No one’s saying the bear was at fault. It was just a wild animal in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Brooks also mentioned that the order to shoot was given by a supervisor who was not on the scene. Warden Fahey did what was policy – ask permission to do what he knew was the right thing, to protect the public.

Can you imagine the public outcry if Warden Fahey had “just stood by” while a person or pet was being mauled by the bear? He would have been crucified.

David W. Mott

Brewer