Another bear perspective
Letter to the Editor
Related Letter:
Better alternatives
In response to Wednesday's "better alternatives" letter by Roberta L. Hubbard, my name is Roberta J. "Bobbie" Hubbard and I also live in Douglas. Though our names are similar, our viewpoints differ.
I want to thank those responsible for the way the bear was handled in Douglas recently. A tough but necessary and responsible act to help maintain a safe place to live. I don't think this is a voting matter. I think the people that have lived here long enough to know that having residential bears is a bad plan have an obligation to proactively protect our community. There are many children and other pedestrians on the streets of Douglas and having any bear among them, day or night, is asking for trouble however thrilling it may be.
Don't get me wrong, I am genuinely saddened that this bear is dead. However, I would not put any human in harm's way on the behalf of any animal. As a mother of two, a neighbor of other families and businesses, I have seen and listened to this bear being aggressive toward physical property and uninhibited enough to put its paws on residential windows and walk through porches and stairways without regard or fear of those inside.
I really can't put myself in the paws of a wild omnivore, and knowing that it's not interested in walking a mile in my Xtratuffs, I am left with making tough decisions. And where human feet hit the ground in a residential setting, bears just don't mix.
Congratulations to the dogs that were aware and courageous enough to protect the realm. How sad would it be if one of their barks were silenced while being loyal.
Roberta Jean Hubbard
Douglas