The Dilemma of Bear Enclosures in National Parks

When the topic of preserving nature in National Parks comes up, discussions often revolve around leaving wildlife, like bears, in their natural habitats rather than enclosing them. The main goal of National Parks is to preserve the magnificence of nature, not to turn them into playgrounds for humans. This raises the question: why not round up bears and place them in enclosures so that people can enjoy the parks without fear?

Risk and Responsibility: Enclosing Humans, Not Bears

Enclosures for humans would be a more logical step if people are the ones without the necessary survival skills. Imagine if humans were required to stay in zoos because of the dangers inherent in nature. This perspective highlights the need for humans to understand and respect the natural environment they are visiting.

When we moved into our home in bear country, we encountered a situation that taught us a valuable lesson. A young bear cub tried to gain access to the back door, mistaking it for the entrance to its mother's home. Instead of providing food, we pointed to the woods and said 'GO AWAY, NO FOOD HERE.' The bear and her cubs understood and left without further incident.

The Importance of Coexistence

Personal experiences and observations have shown that it is entirely possible to coexist with bears in the wild. By adhering to park rules and storing food properly, the risk of encountering or threatening bears can be minimized.

Statistically, the odds of being injured in a car accident while driving to the park are much higher than the odds of being attacked by a bear. Should we instead ban people from driving cars to avoid such accidents?

Killing the Essence of National Parks

It's important to note that National Parks are not zoos. The idea of placing bears in enclosures turns them into exhibits rather than wild animals, leading to a loss of the essence and purpose of the parks. Zoos, while they have their benefits, have largely fallen out of favor as people appreciate the natural and free-roaming nature of wildlife.

Many simply do not want to visit places where wildlife is contained and controlled. National Parks are meant to preserve the beauty of nature and allow people to experience it in its raw form. This includes the bears that live within them.

Nature is not obliged to cater to our every need or fear. If people are too afraid to visit certain areas or to venture beyond paved paths, perhaps they need to stay home. This approach encourages people to respect the natural world and its inhabitants rather than seeking to subdue them.

Conclusion

In summary, the preservation of nature in National Parks is best served by allowing wildlife like bears to remain in the wild. Coexisting with these bears is possible if humans take the necessary precautions and respect these powerful creatures. By understanding and respecting the environment, we can enjoy the beauty and majesty of National Parks without compromising the integrity of the natural world.