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Posted by Ballpark Frank (24.237.94.196) on 19:40:32 07/02/14
In Reply to: When you say rangers... posted by Lynnette
Lynnette,
First, I don't subscribe to Facebook, so I have not seen James' post or heard the tape.
Second, I have seen the photo that Hoot posted of the grizzly mom and cub that James apparently posted somewhere, with the cute plea to stop the cracker bombing.
Third, in spite of the fact that I am way in the dark on this latest fracas, I have a long history of cruising Yellowstone's roads throughout the season when the interior roads are open. Over the years, I have witnessed all sorts of bear management activities. On some occasions, I was monitoring park radio frequencies, so I was privy to radio conversations between NPS personnel involved in an activity. I also have a friend who was working seasonally for Kerry Gunther, who is the head of Bear Management in Yellowstone, before I relocated to Alaska. I had many roadside conversations with her about the what and why of her job.
Given the limitations listed above, I will say that Bear Management may or may not have been involved in the incidents James appears to be alluding to. I have seen Resource Management rangers conduct bear management activity in the absence of Bear Management personnel on occasion. They have the responsibility for both resource and visitor safety in the geographic area they patrol. I have witnessed Resource Management personnel using adverse conditioning on bears, including the use of cracker bombs. At the same time, I know there are occasions when Bear Management might administer adverse conditioning, particularly the seasonals. (The taxpayer in me hopes that Kerry and his permanent staff are kept busy on more important tasks.)
I'm sure Kerry is quite aware of whatever has been going on between the NPS permit people and James Yule. I would counsel caution in bringing up this subject, since it could be a real hot topic. At the same time, if you do instigate a conversation on the topic, I would love to see a "trip report" on what you hear.
As you will see in posts I plan on making, this is a RED HOT topic with me. (Not the bear cracker bombing. That is a recurring battle between the NPS and the professional photogs, and I can see both side's concerns. For me, it is a bit like watching the Sunnis and Shia fighting each other in the Middle East. They've been doing it for a long time, and will still be doing it long after I'm gone.) My topic of concern is the permit system for photographers and videographers.
Ballpark
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