NY Times Mag -- The Bears Among US' 11/25/07

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The Sunday, November 25, New York Times Magazine has a fascinating article, by Darcy Frey, headed, "The Bears Among Us." (pg 82).The story is familiar -- humans and wild animals in conflict as we encroach on their living space. What is different about this article is the tone. It is set in the Canadian resort town of Whistler, which will host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Residents, though often infuriated by the bears, have respect and affection for them and hate to see them killed. Thus the article focuses on attempts to live in harmony with them. But Frey writes that officers sometimes resort to, "what is euphemistically called 'lethal management' — a uniformed conservation officer firing a shotgun into a thick-furred (and often retreating) flank." Naturally, it is distressing to read about such cases. But as we often read about people going

bear hunting with glee, it is heartening to read instead of the human distress when bears are shot, including quotes such as, "Is capital punishment — with no judge or jury — really the right answer for a bear that's just trying to eat?" While the people of Whistler are not yet effectively and peacefully managing a difficult issue, the article makes it clear that they hope to.You'll find the article on line at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/magazine/25bears-t.htmlFrey's writing style is delightful -- I often laughed out loud while reading. And I was also saddened, as Frey and the people of Whistler have been, by reports on the deaths of bears. The article presents a great opportunity for letters to the editor on our relationship with animals and the Earth. Enthusiastic reader response to animal-friendly articles encourages more of them.The New York Time Magazine takes letters at magazineAlways include your full

name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Remember that shorter letters are more likely to be published. And please be sure not to use any comments or phrases from me or from any other alerts in your letters. Editors are looking for original responses from their readers.I thank Deb Robinson for giving us an early heads up on this piece. Yours and the animals',Karen Dawn(DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. You may forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts if you do so unedited -- leave DawnWatch in the title and include this parenthesized tag line. If somebody forwards DawnWatch alerts to you, which you enjoy, please help the list grow by signing up. It is free.)To discontinue DawnWatch alerts go to

http://www.DawnWatch.com/nothanks.php-------You are d to DawnWatch using the following address: dogs_goodDate: Sun Nov 25 11:52:06 2007

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