Is the bear in your July 19 report a “rogue mother bear” or just a hungry one with three cubs to feed? In the nineteen fifties my mother kept chickens. Every night just before dusk she went down to the chicken coop to lock the hens inside a sturdy wood hen house. This way the bears, that were numerous in those days, could not get the chickens.

The yard where the chickens spent the day was protected by wire on the top as well as the sides. When the chickens were allowed to run free one of us kids (with the dog) watched over them. Why is it that in the 21st century stockowners are no longer this vigilant?

Must every wild animal be shot or relocated because it is helping itself to an easy meal? Current relocation research suggests that adult bears return to their former range within a month. Foodsource removal is a proactive deterrent.

The Conservation Officer had a good idea!

Bear Smart has more on conflict bears at:

www.bearsmart.com/becoming-bear-smart/conflict-bears

Janne Perrin

Harrison Hot Springs