complaint about Nebraska nuisance cub kill

[Emily]

Here's howbad pr happens. A bear cub was entertaining locals in Nebraska. It gets caught in a faarm oubuilding and fish and game shoots it, rather than relocates.

http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/06/04 ... 75580e.txt

Bear too much for Nebraska agency

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 2:08 AM MDT

Editor:

Reading the heartwarming story about Burns Biggs and his years with the U.S. Forest Service contrasted sharply with the story of the Nebraska Game and Park and the little black bear of Harrison, Neb.

People living in the town of Harrison were really excited that a little bear was seen all over town. Many jumped in their cars and drove all over hoping to catch a glimpse of the little fellow.

The little bear went North of Harrison about two miles and ended up in an outbuilding at a local Rancher's place. It was confined in an outbuilding there and the rancher called the Nebraska Game and Park.

The Nebraska Game and Park sent out one of their finest, a brave veritable Dudley Do Right person who arrived on the scene. He promptly took charge, pulled out his cannon, and shot the little bear dead.

Although not enough time elapsed that an inquiry could have been made as to the bear being relocated, Dudley insisted that nobody would take it and the Nebraska Game and Park was not equipped to transport the bear anywhere else. This is a curious thing since the word "Game" appearing on their job description would make one think they should be equipped to handle any kind of wildlife.

A printed statement was all that was forthcoming from the Nebraska Game and Park that Dudley had acted quickly to save women and children from the ferocious beast. They refused to talk with irate people from around Nebraska.

People of Harrison were shocked. They had assumed that the little bear would be relocated and could have a long, productive life. Their sentiments were expressed very well by the rancher who stated, "If I had known they were going to kill it, I would have turned the bear loose."

The Star-Tribune printed an article at this time about 70 bears relocated back into the wild in Wyoming. Guess one little bear was just too much for Nebraska Game and Park.

VENEDA TROUT, Torrington