QuoteKen M Bears, like most animals, exist in a complex ecosystem, and they require predation of some sort to keep their numbers in check, so as to maintain a healthy population. This is true for ungulates with a much different social makeup. Overabundance of prey species can certainly damage habitat and limit biodiversity. Still, I prefer pointy teeth be allowed to do the bulk of that job wherby Kayucian - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Jeffrey Trust replied back. He says the NPS doesn't keep data on hunted Yosemite bears in "easily retrievable form", but that they average 1-2 reports annually (!). I suppose one would have to make a FOIA request to obtain that information? He further states, "it's not uncommon for bears to head out beyond Big Oak Flat up to Hetch Hetchy or even along Highway 108." It seems thby Kayucian - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Black bears are often reduced to decorations by their killers, whether as rugs or taxidermy mounts. Some parts even see their way into the black market. The illegal wildlife trade is rampant in California. Self-portraits are also taken with the freshly dead, thought of as a trophy, and often positioned closer to a camera lens to appear larger. These are disturbingly called hero shots. If you typeby Kayucian - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
So Yellow Yellow was snuffed out the same way, around the same time... pathetic. Thanks for letting us know, Ken M. She was only ten years younger than myself; quite an achievement. I've still not heard back from Jeffrey Trust. I'd really like to know how many traceable park bears have been lost this way over the years.by Kayucian - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I haven't heard back from Park Ranger Jeffrey Trust ...yet? It feels wrong to keep this knowledge to myself, and I have grief to shed, besides. Does anyone here know how often park bears are legally shot by sport killers just outside Yosemite's protective border? That may be too tough to answer. How about collared bears such as Blue 72? I learned just a few nights ago that he was shot to death neby Kayucian - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion