AN APPEAL FOR FELICIA (BEAR 863)

 

By the time that you read these words, this small grizzly family may be relocated, or dead, if the state of Wyoming has its way.  This is Bear 863, identified by the tag in her ear...

 She is better known as Felicia by the many wildlife watchers and photographers who come to the area to see her every day. She seems destined to become a victim of her own popularity. 

Motorists stop, often in the middle of the road, for a glimpse of a grizzly bear.  Some approach them with cell phones in hand hoping for a photo.

Tourists with cell phones are not the only       problem. 

Many times even photographers with long telephoto lenses attempt to get too close...

 It is utterly amazing how often humans fail to use their “superior intelligence” when interacting with wildlife... 

To be fair, some of the photographers do show common sense and get in their cars when the bears approach too closely...

I have seen photographers put themselves at risk while trying to alert motorists and slow the speed of traffic...

It is dangerous for the bears who chose to live near heavily traveled roads...

It is also potentially dangerous for humans, who

refuse to stop only in designated areas, remain in their cars and maintain a suitable distance from the bears...

This blog post could continue indefinitely with a list of the options that could be, and have been, tried to keep Felicia and her cubs away from the road...

 To learn more, visit the “For Felicia” Facebook page and there is an Instagram page: “Change.Org” where one can sign a petition to encourage the Wyoming Fish and Game Department to reconsider the euthanasia ultimatum that they have ordered for these bears.