Habitat Loss Key To Bear Problems

IN THE STORIES (Aug.18 issue of WindStar Wildlife Garden Weekly) about Black Bears, it sounded like you were saying that bear incidents are the result of greatly increased bear numbers.  Though Black Bears are doing well, and in many parts of the country have, indeed, expanded their range, the actual cause of these increased numbers of incidents is the fact that humans have taken over more and more of the habitat that used to belong to bears and other wildlife.

Please point out that it is incumbent upon us to learn to coexist with the wonderful animals amongst whom we live, and to change our own behavior, rather than expecting them to change theirs.

Incidentally, I met you at that Wilderness Wildlife Week a few years ago, and I was (and still am) a volunteer for bear organizations who presents programs during the week about Black Bears and our relationship with them.

Kathy Sherrard
Franklin, NC