The Re-Introduction of Grizzly Bears into Woods Near You
If you’re an outdoor lover like us, especially those people who are the persuasion of being into backpacking, hiking, and other backcountry activities … you’ve probably noticed two things in recent years …
- the increased instances of bear (grizzly) vs man interactions (not so good).
- grizzlies are being introduced back into many ecosystems.
As someone myself who’s spent a lot of time roaming the wilds of the backcountry from Washington to Wyoming to Minnesota, I do happen to have some thoughts on this controversial trend towards more grizzlies in places they haven’t been and that have been the domain of humans for the last 100 years.
Controversial you say? Yes. If you are going to re-introduce grizzly bears back into an ecosystem inhabited by and used by humans, this is going to create some problems. Duh.
The problems with Grizzly Re-Introductions
Ok, let’s be clear about something upfront, there are two types of people, well three …
- An insane, uber-crazy environmentalist who will save a squirrel before a person.
- The hunter and fisherperson shall conquer the outdoors person who is the opposite of above.
- Someone in the middle, who just likes to enjoy the outdoors, and who falls in the middle.
If you are on one end or the other, and not in the middle, it probably won’t listen to anyone else’s point of view but your own. So be it. This is an average persons take on a complex topic.
Let’s start with an example, recently Washington State, where I was last year backpacking for a week, has moved forward with a plan to re-introduce grizzly bears into the Northern Cascades. As someone who’s spent time in the Cascades backcountry … does this make me think twice about going back? Yes and no. It sure changes things.
The truth about being in Grizzly Country
The author in Wyoming
Why does it matter that, for example, Grizzly Bears will be introduced back into the Northern Cascades? Because it changes the dynamic of the entire ecosystem, and especially the way people who’ve been used to using that area in a certain way. Like a lot. Unless you’re an idiot.
Sure, I never go into the backcountry assuming something bad is going to happen, but it also isn’t something you ignore. Grizzlies are special creatures and when you are in active Grizzly areas, it changes the way you use and move through the landscape.
Recent Grizzly Bear Problems.
As proof of this, I’ve noticed an uptick in bear (grizzly) and human interactions in certain areas, especially in the Greater Yellowstone Area … surprise surprise. You don’t have to look far to find stories of Grizzly Bears popping up in surprising places, like right outside Missoula.
Regardless of what environmentalists say, who don’t always live in reality, this can be a serious problem. Especially for people who have lived in places for generations and are used to interacting in the outdoors in a certain way! It’s extremely dangerous for both bears and humans, humans can get hurt and the bears will end up being put down.
It’s one thing to be in or near Yellowstone and get into trouble with Grizzlies, it comes with the territory and PEOPLE KNOW THAT! Anyone using the outdoors regularly in that environment knows it’s an inherent risk. Grizzly Bears are special and you SHOULD take extra precautions when moving through their environment, and be prepared.
Grizzly Bears in the Northern Cascades
Let’s go back to our example of the great Grizzly coming back to Washington State in the Northern Cascades. The problem is that you and I both know problems are coming down the pike. 50 years from now it will be a completely different experience to be a backpacker or outdoor user in the Cascades as the light-hearted trips are now for me.
Sure, people will argue that there are other risks right now, black bears, mountain lions, heck, sasquatch. But that’s just not being honest about it. Of course, having Grizzlies in the Cascades will completely change who and how people use that area. It will become the next Wyoming.
But, that’s just life I guess.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the outdoors, nature, and animals, I love it all. But, unlike some people, I think these are more complicated topics than just “Oh, it’s the environment, we should just put grizzlies back into where they were, don’t complain about it.”
People’s lives are at risk, and the way families use those areas is going to change. Think about it. Is it so simple?
