Skip to content

Bears don't just eat 'anything.'

A few weeks ago a fellow by the name of Alan Trenzek wrote a letter to the editor with regards to “bears will eat anything.”

Editor:

A few weeks ago a fellow by the name of Alan Trenzek wrote a letter to the editor with regards to “bears will eat anything.” I could not help but feel the need to reply to his article.

One major problem we have these days with proper bear management is the lack of correct information and statistical data.

We are still basing our opinions and plan of action on old wives tales, camp fire stories and exaggerated hearsay.

Let me set Mr. Trenzek straight, and anyone else who believed what he wrote. Bears will not eat anything and everything.

I have studied bears for more than 30 years, and read every bit of biological literature written on the species, and can say without a doubt your cat, dog and small children are safe.

Black bears do not view us and our pets as food.

They are omnivorous, which means a large percentage of their diet is vegetation, not meat. Please, if you are going to speak your mind and have your words put into print at least do your homework.

It is that kind of thinking that leaves people terrified of bears and wanting to kill them.

Let us take it upon ourselves to be properly educated about the species and hopefully learn to co-exist as Australians have with saltwater crocodiles, and people of Churchill, Manitoba with polar bears.

Sandra Lynch-Bakken

Williams Lake