Comments on: Boy Killed By Black Bear In Utah

Wildlife Officers Kill Animal They Believe Was Responsible For Pulling 11-Year-Old From Tent

[jydavis1]

they should extend bear hunting season in Utah so stuff like this wouldn't happen

[jydavis1]

they should extend bear hunting season in Utah so stuff like this wouldn't happen

[railham]

A terrible tragedy....but don't blame the bear for being a bear.
When you decide to camp ( and bring lots of great smelling food with you) in a known bear habitat unfortunately, this is the chance that you take.
I can never figure out the idiots that think feeding the bears potato chips and peanut butter is a cute thing to do, and then wonder why bears associate humans with food.

[railham]

A terrible tragedy....but don't blame the bear for being a bear.
When you decide to camp ( and bring lots of great smelling food with you) in a known bear habitat unfortunately, this is the chance that you take.
I can never figure out the idiots that think feeding the bears potato chips and peanut butter is a cute thing to do, and then wonder why bears associate humans with food.

[autumnluv]

Human beings need to realize that they are going out into the wild and there are no protective fences or barriers that won't allow bears or other wildlife to enter their camping area. It's not the zoo.

No matter how hard you try, you can NOT tell a bear to stay out of certain areas of the woods. Sorry. They are not going to listen.

Unfortunately, killing the bear would probably have been necessary for two reasons. One, it will appease the public because Lord knows, there's only one black bear in the wild willing to kill a human when it's hungry....*cough*

And two, wild animals tend to condition themselves to whether or not certain things are ok to do...killing a human is one of them. If they get the taste for it, there's a chance that they may do it again. I may be wrong about that but....

[cryonbrian]

Everyone's wants to be a cowboy!

[kdk343]

"reverse psychology" "growling as loud as you can" You have got to be joking.

[harp1963]

This is exactly why I take my .44 magnum when hiking or camping in the woods with my kids.

[mitch0927]

jinjimbob,

Sadly, I agree with you. We are trespassing on their territory and should take all precautions. But with stories like this, we all come up with the "should ofs" and "could haves".....I do pray for the family and wish to pass on my condolences to them for their loss. This will be a lesson to all parents who want to cam out in an area where bears are.

[kdk343]

Blame a human for being a human?

Bears should stay out of campgrounds.

Killing the boy was terrible!!!

[closethippy]

In a situation like this reverse psychology can do wonders. If you are being dragged by a bear start biting yourself, growling as hard and as loud as you can.
Bears usually go, "What the f'?" and let go of their victims.
Teach your children this method by practicing with them at home, you'll be doing them a great favor!

[dmk3]

well said. too bad for the little boy though.

Blame the bear for being a bear?

People should stay at home if they expect no danger in the wilderness.

Killing the bear was terrible.