BEARS: Belong behind bars

On May 7 you printed an article on bear attacks. As a recent arrival from the Midwest, I am surprised at the defensive attitude toward the bears, that their attacks are rare, that the attack was a single event, which is clearly incorrect since there were two hikers which instead makes it two events and I’m sure the attackees would agree with me on that. It also makes no sense since I would consider any attack a single event unless bears have begun hunting humans in packs or herds. The article also states that attacks by grizzlies or black bears are rare. Then you go on to describe this recent event, a mauling in September and a woman killed by a grizzly in 2023.

The recent attack you describe occurred on what you refer to as a popular hiking trail near Yellowstone National Parks Old Faithful geyser. The other attacks were also near Yellowstone. I find it distressful that a visit to Old Faithful is akin to walking into a big city alley after dark.

In Nebraska we have a place called a zoo where we keep wild animals such as lions, tigers and bears. As a result, in my 89 years of life, I can recall no human fatalities or even injuries from these dangerous animals among hikers, hunters tourists or others who might walk the wild cornfields and pastures of Nebraska.

We humans tend to say, If a safety feature saves even one life, it’s worth it. How inconsistent we are then to allow dangerous animals to maul and even kill us and excuse it as a rarity. I drove through Yellowstone a few years ago and enjoyed it so much that l’ve been back twice. After reading your article, however, I would not risk another visit. Fortunately, I now live in an independent living facility so my biggest danger here is from 80-year-old hotties. Smiley face here.

LESLIE McKIM

Coeur d’Alene