Hunt Is on for Killer Bear in Tenn.

Yahoo News ^ | 4-14-06 | Associated Press

[toldyou]

It has nothing to do with whether I've ever been shark fishing.

What I'm trying to say is why would the story be newsworthy? The shark was fighting for his life, and the men could NOT BELIEVE that they were almost attacked .....by a shark on the end of their fishing line! So they called a news-team to report their "unbelievable" story!

And, of course, the headlines were something like, "Shark Attacks Men in Boat!"

[eastforker]

It was news because many novice fishermen might not believe that a shark will try and attack even when out of water. Most fish when caught will just flop around in the boat but a shark actualy will focus and try and bite you. Something very eerie and cold when you look into a sharks eyes.

[Navy Patriot]

This is definitely the fault of the humans. The errors they made were the following:

Going into the woods without being heavily armed and trained in killing predators.

Not regularly sending the menfolk into the woods with guns and dogs to find track and kill potential predators and a good day's exercise.

[Old_Mil]

The larger the cat, the more likely it is to attack (house vs cougar vs tiger). The larger the bear, the more likely it is to attack (Black vs. Grizzly vs. Kodiak vs. Polar).

It's not as if black bears are card carrying members of "bears for peaceful coexistence with humans" or anything of the sort.

[MissEdie]

I agree with you; a question I have is how are they going to know if the bear they get is the "killer bear" anyway?

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Now they're hunting him to kill him.

Damn straight. Perhaps you think they should let him be so he's free to go maul someone else now that he's tasted human blood?

[toldyou]

Good question! I have a feeling that some of these smart people here just might know!

[eastforker]

Since this bear does not seem to be afraid of people it is a good guess he wouldn't run when confronted by a hunter, that would be my first clue.

[Junior]

No it's not whack. The bear was doing what bears do. It didn't kill the kids out of maliciousness the way a human would. Human beings have to understand, we are not the top of the food chain, and wild critters are not Disneyesque. People forget this stuff at their own (and their kids') peril.

[Groganeer]

"...a question I have is how are they going to know if the bear they get is the "killer bear" anyway?"

They'll take a dog to the spot where they last saw the bear and say "Git 'em". At that point it's on, and the bear's done for most likely.

My question is: Why did the Search and Rescue folks show up on scene with only a small caliber handgun?

If I'm walking into a situation where I've got a known aggressive bear I'm taking something bigger, and badder than a "small caliber handgun" Personally speaking when it comes to big bears a lever action in 45-70 is a pretty good choice.

[Leatherneck_MT]

These bears I assume have lost their fear of man. If there's not a bear hunting season in Tenn, there sure needs to be one.

[Junior]

That's what I was wondering. There'll probably be some overreaction that will end up in the deaths of lots of bears that had nothing to do with this.

[HairOfTheDog]

It's not as if black bears are card carrying members of "bears for peaceful coexistence with humans" or anything of the sort.

Of course not, but as scavengers and browsers, they do typically behave differently than primary predators that kill for a living.

[HairOfTheDog]

There'll probably be some overreaction that will end up in the deaths of lots of bears that had nothing to do with this.

Probably. I think the idea that they could find the same bear easily is optimistic at best. But they also are a game animal, their numbers need to be controlled if we don't want this happening every day. I'm sure this forest is hunted every year by bear hunters, and it is the annual presence of those bear hunters that keeps those bears who successfully elude them wary.

[Groganeer]

"There'll probably be some overreaction that will end up in the deaths of lots of bears that had nothing to do with this."



Doubtful...that's what hunting season is for.


This particular bear will get run down where he lives and dealt with. It's not as if bears roam around in packs or herds, they are pretty solitary animals. My guess is this bear is all alone for several miles.

[TomServo]

Going into the woods without being heavily armed and trained in killing predators.

Yeah - go ahead break Federal Law. Great idea.

[Groganeer]

"Yeah - go ahead break Federal Law. Great idea."

Ok I'll bite...what Federal Law?

I'm free to carry a weapon in the woods any time of year regardless of whether there is an open season for "X".

As to killing an animal that is acting aggresively or attacking me, that's legal too. If I do kill a bear out of season I AM obligated to report it.

I NEVER go into the woods with out a weapon period, and if you think I'm going to pause and reflect on the legality of protecting me of anyone else because of law you are delusional.

[TomServo]

"I'm free to carry a weapon in the woods any time of year regardless of whether there is an open season for "X".

Then by all means - go armed into a National Forest or Park. I hope you get caught.

[Groganeer]

"Then by all means - go armed into a National Forest or Park. I hope you get caught."

Huh?

I spent two weeks hunting in a National Forest last year. Offered the game warden a steak when he came into camp. He didn't seem to mind me and my compatriots hunting.

Again what law states I can't tote a gun in a federal park or forest?

There are laws against "hunting" in places like Yellowstone, but "hunting" and "protecting" are two different things entirely.

[Constantine XIII]

bingo