From Deseret News archives:
Feeding of bear forces it to be killed
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Lt. Torrey Christophersen said his office in Vernal began receiving anonymous complaints last summer about a man putting bait on his Whiterocks Canyon property to attract a bear so that he could give his grandchildren "a kind of gee-whiz tour."
"Neighbors had heard about this individual putting dog food and syrup and doughnuts out to purposely bring this bear in so that he could show his kids and grandkids," the lieutenant said. "This was the first year we were really able to pinpoint the location of where it was going on and get this individual to say he was putting bait out, although he didn't really admit to it."
Conservation officers made contact with the man on several occasions, trying to address their concerns about his behavior. They even served him with a "cease and desist" letter drafted with the help of Uintah County prosecutors. But Christophersen said the man, whom he described as belligerent, maintained that he had a right to do whatever he wanted to on his property.
Officers eventually received permission from neighboring property owners to put traps on their land. But Christophersen said the bear was being fed so well that it proved difficult to lure it into a trap.
"When you're being offered a steak dinner in one spot and an old greasy hamburger in the other, what are you going to choose?" he said.
Clint Sampson, the conservation officer who was tasked with destroying the bear on Aug. 2 once it was trapped, said he was angered at having to shoot the animal.
"Most bears, when they get in the trap, they are growling and grunting and hitting the cage," he said. "She was just docile."
But both Sampson and Christophersen said regardless of how calm the 2-year-old female bear seemed in the trap, she posed a very real danger to humans.
"The problem is, that bear gets along with (the property owner). She knows she'll get fed," Sampson said. "But when she goes on the neighbor's property and their kids don't know the rules of the game, and they don't want to give the bear food, the bear's going to get its food."
Recent comments
Hey, I get the "bear scare" camped out in the woods. But it's an...
feedingbears | Aug. 19, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.
Private property has always had limits. In this case wild animals...
Another thought | Aug. 19, 2008 at 9:16 p.m.
The bear was not his property, and if I had a rotweiller, I think I...
To: Hey Let's not forget | Aug. 19, 2008 at 4:21 p.m.
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Police increase presence at Skyline 1:14 a.m.
- Cougars cruise past Southern 1:03 a.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 1:01 a.m.
- Utah celebrates Real Salt Lake Day 12:59 a.m.
- Y. focused on 10-win season 12:54 a.m.
- Thunder rolls by Jazz 12:49 a.m.
- Sloan remembers Abe Pollin 12:47 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Boys basketball rankings
- Utes' Wynn in for awakening
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
232 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93 - Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
90
Maya was wronged. The trophy was stolen. The judges had to give him a 30 so...
Go Coug's I'll be there at LES and I expect a great finsh from Max Pitta and Co.
At least he won't be a stupid Junior. Has anyone played worse in the rivalry...
I was hoping they would win, but the were up against a lot of great talent....
I agree completely with your comments about Jay Leno. He goes way to far and...
I, too, think Mr. Gale does a great job with his articles. His...
We should drill more and lower the price globally for oil. Fine build nuclear...
No I don't own a poster of shirtless Jacob - but there is a huge difference...
Gary, What nonsense! Specify the emails that "prove" deception. You...
if you guys don't think soccer is a sport? then what do you consider a sport?...



