I remember reading about that. People do not understand the situation, with hunting and why it is done.
Yes, you are right, it was just better to leave the area, not knowing what the momma bear was going to do.
It's a good example of why I am generally not a fan of voter's initiatives for issues the average suburban voter just isn't qualified to know.
The level of populations and management needs should dictate the size and types of hunting allowed, and should be fully adjustable and exandable by the game dept as needed. The Dept of Game, and the Forest Service were both opposed to this initiative, it was passed by urban and suburban liberal voters in Seattle.
Thing is, they now need to call in hound men to track problem animals, and there are very few people still keeping trained and ready hounds.