HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Anne Benoit and Joe McNally - Concern of Bear Damages ADMIN S,rp Y
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OCT It 2017
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September 27, 2017
TO: Butte County Board of Supervisors
25 County Center Drive Suite 200
Oroville,CA 95965
From: Paradise ridge residents.Anne Benoit and Joe McNally
1986 Mountain View Drive
Paradise CA 95969
Attention: Paul Hahn Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
I'm addressing a concern of the increasing bear damages of: fruit trees, commercial
crops, outbuildings,vehicle window glass and fencing in Paradise, CA, This property
destruction permeates rural Butte County and beyond. While depredation permits
are available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife,taking these
bears via professional trappers is the only option available, and not the best solution
to a problem that is intensifying throughout California.
Bear populations have increased in a seemingly direct correlation to a legislative
change which occurred about three years ago, disallowing the use of dogs during
bear hunting season. The bears we are now encountering in our urban rural
interface are fearless of dogs as they have not experienced being run up a tree by
canines. And,the public by in large,are unaccustomed to how to safely discourage
bears from frequenting their property and homes. On our deck we have
experienced bears unfazed by our dog barking,us yelling, spot lights,noise,and non
lethal firearm discharge.
Spending tax money on trapping and disposing of bears in landfills is a no win
situation, it's a solution of last resort but not a great solution. Not making use of the
meat, as hunters would do,is a wanton waste of a resource. We encourage you,the
Board of Supervisors,to pressure state officials to act on this property destruction
and potentially lethal human/bear interaction. Let's revisit dog use in bear hunts as
a start to establishing effective bear policy. Or, similar to fishing, catch and release,
a tree and release bear program for sports hunters.
Thanks for your time in this manner.
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Anne Benoit and Joe McNally
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