Sunday, November 23, 2008

Bears, Wolves, and Reading

I feel bad that I cannot update regularly any more. Anyway, in my search for a good book to read I have uncovered a gem. The book is called Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness by Doug Peacock, 1990. Perhaps you have heard the name before; most likely through his connection to Yellowstone and grizzlies. I highly recommend this non-fiction book.

Well, I have only heard of 2 bears killed (possibly 3) since elk hunting season opened up. I believe they were all in the same area north of Yellowstone Park near Gardiner that is notorious for this type of tragedy. I did not hear details about the first dead bear. The other bear(or maybe bears) killed were a mom and cub. The mom was surprised by the hunter and tried to defend the cub. The bullet "went through the cub" and into the mom. The mom ran off and they couldn't find her. It was not stated that the cub was dead but I think we can assume that.

Wolf news: People are anxious to hunt these great predators. They were talking about it at work one day. I was intently working as I overheard hunting talk. I thought I heard the wolf mentioned. I quickly turned around to the hunters and said, "What are you going hunting for now?" "A wolf," was the reply,"They are off the list now." I said in a low forceful tone, with eyes glaring, finger pointing and saddened heart, "You leave the wolves alone!" I went calmly back to my work thinking how ignorant people are about our great American wildlife and dreaming of a nation pre-Lewis & Clark. The slaughters will never end.