Killing bears isn't answer

I am discouraged by the Utah Division of Wildlife Services announcement that they are increasing the number of permits to hunt black bears to solve the increase in bear-human conflicts. I believe a better solution is public education on how to be "Bear Aware."

Most conflicts arise when people leave filthy campsites, feed wildlife, dump trash or keep food and trash in containers easily accessible to bears. By educating people on how to keep a clean campsite, identify bear signs and other simple steps we can decrease the conflicts.

Killing more bears isn't going to fix the bigger problem. States that have implemented public bear safety education programs have seen significant decreases in nuisance bear reports.

I think it is time for Utah to increase our wildlife education programs. We need to remember that we share the woods, parks and rivers with wildlife. Unfortunately, the phrase "a fed bear is a dead bear" is true in Utah.

Stephanie Jochum-Natt

Salt Lake City