(AK) 18th bear killed in self-defense this year in Kenai 10-27-03
Date: Oct 28, 2003 12:13 AM
Subject: (AK) 18th bear killed in self-defense this year 10-27-03
News-Miner – Past News
Address:http://www.news-miner.com/Stories/0,1413,113~7244~1726348,00.html
October 27, 2003

18th Kenai bear killed in defense sets record The Associated Press

KENAI–Another brown bear on the Kenai Peninsula was killed in defense
of life and property last week, bringing the total for the year to 18.

The killings are the highest number of reported shootings in defense of
life and property on record, said Jeff Selinger, area manager for the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

According to department records, prior to the 2001-02 year, brown bear
shootings had never exceeded 10 animals. In 2001-02, the number of brown
bear nonhunting mortalities jumped to a record high 14. Last year the
number climbed to 15.

Selinger said the reason for the increase is complicated.

“The human population on the peninsula has grown and continues to grow,”
he said. “With this, recreation into bear country has expanded, which in
recent years has led to more bear-human interactions.

“Reports from the public are that they are seeing more bears than in the
past, and all of the information I have seen indicates a healthy brown
bear population on the peninsula,” Selinger said.

Another possible cause of the high rate of shootings may be a decrease
in the public’s tolerance for bears after maulings in Alaska, Selinger
said.

Selinger offered a third possibility: better compliance by people
reporting bears shot in defense of life or property.

“We’re hearing about them now. It’s possible that 20 years ago that
wasn’t the case, but it’s difficult to say.”

Selinger said he hopes the recent trend in bear killings does not
continue.

“We’d like to see them decrease,” he said. “To do that, people need
to
be more aware of bears, bear behavior and safety practices in bear
country.”

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