The Humane Society of the United States Available for Comment on Bear Attack

8/20/2002

From: Rachel Querry, 301-258-8255 Wayne Pacelle, 202-778-6112 both of the Humane Society of the United States

News Advisory:

WHO: -- Wayne Pacelle, senior vice president The Humane Society of the United States

WHAT: Pacelle is available today for comment on the tragic death of a five-month old in New York. The girl died yesterday as a result of a black bear attack. This is only the second fatality involving a black bear on record.

The HSUS works to minimize conflicts between humans and wildlife. Injuries and fatalities caused by black bears are extremely rare. These normally reclusive animals fear humans and are not known for unprovoked attacks.

The HSUS supports the use of aversive conditioning to reduce conflicts with black bears. This approach involves strict bans on feeding bears and uses tools such as pepper spray to cause bears to fear humans. These tools are used only by trained law enforcement and wildlife management officers. This approach has been used successfully in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. and is currently being implemented in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. New Jersey is also implementing this approach to minimizing black bear conflicts.

WHERE: By phone or on camera in The HSUS' Washington office.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2002

The HSUS has seven million members and constituents. With active programs in companion animals, wildlife, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture, The HSUS works to protect all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. For more information, visit The HSUS' Web site -- http://www.hsus.org.