Behavior, Bears, and Humans

"However, the learning context has changed, albeit unintentionally, and problem behavior has been fostered by the programs of man. In many cases, food-seeking behavior by bears was intentionally rewarded to make them more observable" (e.g., Schullery 1980)

I read the essay, Behavior, Bears, and Humans by Dale R. McCullough where he briefly discusses the grizzly bear and black bear's relationship with humans. McCullough is faculty of the Department of Forestry and Resource Management at the University of California in Berkley. In this essay he looks closely at a bears concept of humans as being equated with food.

In my previous post I had pondered, although not in depth yet, the conflict and questions I had about humans hunting animals. Paul Shepard portrayed hunting as a spiritual necessity. A way to be one with nature and to follows nature's order. I wondered then, why do bears kill humans. I have this idea of the animal instinct and even higher conscience that animals possess. I can say less for some humans. When bears kill humans are they presenting their instinct to keep things in order, to kill because it is their duty as a part of nature? Or are they just hungry? I am sensitive about labeling animal's behavior so generally, such as, the bear killed the human because he must have been hungry. In the same respect, I do not desire to label hunters with such general statements.

I am curious as to how many hunters are hunting purely for the consumption of the animal's flesh. I do not intend for this to be portrayed negatively, as I can imagine that having this relationship with your meal must feel different than if you had bought it as dead flesh in saran-wrapped packing at your local supermarket.

"The major premise that has governed management of bear-human interactions probably has been that bears are conditioned to associate food with humans by feeding on garbage." (McCullough, 28)

According to McCullough, bears associate humans with food. Plain and simple. And because humans invite themselves into bear territory, the scent of humans and their meals is recognizable by bears. They understand that humans have food and getting that food is a reward. Do bears see humans themselves as food?

This is from farebearhunting.org:

"Black bears are not just a prized hunting trophy. Bear provides excellent table fare in steaks, stews, sausage and roasts. Many great bear recipes are listed on this site."

I really would like to interview a few hunters on some of these topics. I am having trouble understanding whether or not the spiritual and ecological reasons for hunting still exist today. In Paul Shepard's, Encounters with Nature, he referred to hunters as those with the absolute "superb mind." Superb mind or appetite?

"In recent years the U.S. National Park Service has launched an education program to convince visitors that bears are dangerous and unpredictable. Equally required in parks where habituated bears have become hazardous to humans is a program to reinforce fear of humans in bears. A relationship based upon fear and respect in both bear and human populations will favor mutual avoidance and, I suggest, a more hopeful prospect of long-term coexistence in parks with a minimum of bloodshed on both sides." (McCullough, 33)

McCullough's essay also touched on the fact that bears do not fear humans. Humans fear bears, but are often very gutsy in their encounters. There is a conflict among park service workers as to whether humans should fear bears or bears should fear humans. Or both. McCullough would rather have bears and humans coexist without bloodshed. Although I have no idea how to make this reality, being respectful of nature might not involve feeding bears and making human food a reward for them. This only taunts them and introduces them to unnatural behaviors. They are capable and perfectly well finding their own food sources. As are we. I do not believe that bears are a necessary part of our diet.

And from here I will further dissect my feelings about feeding the eagles....