He adds: "But perhaps what is equally tragic, is the misplaced anger and vitriol directed at a woman who was walking her dog. The decision to euthanize the bear was not hers to make and she did absolutely nothing wrong. I have seen far too many claims about 'what happened' from people who weren't there. I have personally spoken with the first residents to respond to the scene and help this poor woman."
Further, he said, "The City Council and staff are engaging with our state legislators and officials with the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. Perhaps we can inspire change while also learning from the tragedy of this week. And we're working to learn more about the two cubs...it would be wonderful if we can sponsor and support them until a time they could be returned to our Monrovia foothills."
- Brad Haugaard
Instead of reacting after the fact, why aren’t we thinking proactively?
ReplyDeleteThey are coming down the hills because they are starving. Wildlife, local communities, and organizations could work together on solutions—like restoring natural food sources in the hills by planting trees and vegetation, or exploring safe, humane ways to support animals during extreme conditions that push them into neighborhoods like bears and those poor skinny coyotes.
Is anyone willing to lead a campaign like this? Real action is needed now. A GoFundMe could help raise awareness and funding, and partnerships with local agencies—like fire and police departments—might help bring creative, responsible solutions to life and offer to drop off food in the mountains by helicopter.