Brown Bears (Info, Pics and Videos)

[Tshokwane]

I think this post is interesting, it sheds some light on what happened.

Running Wolf Nature Photography by Deby Dixon:
Some important facts about Scarface and his death - many current reports and assumptions are inaccurate.


I conducted a couple of interviews today, for a project, and was able to get a little truthful information about Scarface, that you will want to know. If you are interested in passing along the facts.

Bear 211, aka Scarface, was born in 1990 and was 25 years old when he passed away on November 11, 2015. The circumstances of his death have been described as "unfortunate," and are currently under investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Services. No other agency has all of the details surrounding the death and no information is available to the public at this time because they do not want to compromise the investigation and any chances of prosecution.

The death of Scarface was NEVER in the newspaper and the story in the Billings Gazette is, unfortunately, another grizzly that was shot and killed several days after Scarface. We do not know if SF was killed by a hunter, or even if the person's identity is known. He was killed just north of Gardiner and the other bear was killed in Tom Miner basin, some 15 or so miles away.
Bear 211's death was listed in the 2015 grizzly mortality public information but neither the date or his identity was given, as is the case with all bear deaths under investigation. MFW says that SF's death has not been treated any differently than any other bear's and that they view all deaths and all bears as equally important to the eco-system. The only difference with SF is that, as a courtesy to his many admirers who have been waiting for the famous bear to walk across Lamar Valley, or cross the road in front of them, a decision was made to let us know about his death. So we would know that he is not roaming around Hayden Valley and that he will not be seen again. Strictly as a courtesy to his many fans, and we should honor that fact and show some respect to those who did decide that we needed to know.
My advice to everyone is to make sure that they get their facts straight before making accusations and calling for a witch hunt. If we, as advocates, ever want to be listened to by law makers and the rest of society, we must act with respect. Hurling threats and accusations only destroys our credibility and ultimately harms the animals in the long run. Yes, the area, like any other, has some bad seeds that don't respect wildlife - maybe we can change their minds, maybe not. But, there is a whole community out there that is on the fence, or never given the issues any serious thought, and they could benefit from courteous, respectful, accurate information about the animals and the issues. Anger and rage will do absolutely no good. Boycotting a town, state or Yellowstone, will do no good. Learning the facts and talking to people will.

As advocates, we long ago lost the ability to be given immediate information on poaching deaths, due to the destructive reaction from the public. These are my words and should not be attributed to any agency.
I can say, with experience, that approaching the experts at the park and MFW wildlife, with respect and a willingness to hear the truth, has been met with respect. I had no problem obtaining the information that was available. Don't let Facebook be a gossip/drama circus that dispels inaccurate information and destroys relationships, rather than building them. A lot of good organizations and individuals have been harmed by the gossipy witch hunts on Facebook. Think for yourself and get the facts.
My own platform will forever be seeking caring by sharing, using my talents as a writer and photographer to bring your closer to the park and the wildlife, while providing the facts. I do get it wrong from time to time but never quit looking for the truth.
I have other information, not pertinent to his death, but that will have to wait for my project to be completed.
Fight for our public lands and wildlife, but do so respectfully and honestly.
Deby

*This image is copyright of its original author

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