Re: What Happens to Problem Bears That Go to Rehab?

I'm skeptical that this is a workable or even worthwhile solution. The article notes that the successful "Rehab" Center only releases bears where "natural staples are abundant" and in "remote places where they likely won't see a person for a while". This eliminates anywhere in the Lower 48 and I don't think Alaska works either.

The most recent Alaskan example is the family of 5 bears that lived "in the city" of Anchorage and became a problem after a second year of getting into garbage. It was Alaska Fish and Game policy to destroy the bears but the Governor of Alaska pardoned them after a public outcry. So the five were transported to a "remote" place and subsequently begin terrorizing the nearest town. They were ultimately shot just as the wildlife experts here predicted would happen before the State wasted a bunch of time and money.

I suppose with a different set of circumstances and proper "rehab" an outcome might be different but the article rightfully points out at what cost? Alaska has no shortage of bears so the population certainly isn't dwindling here and most places in the lower 48 probably can't sustain that much of a higher population.

They ought to give this facility a catchier name. They should call it the "Yogi Bear Clinic".