          |
|
« Bill to Allow Regulation of Dog Breeds Advances | Main | Drug Maker Seeks Approval of Relenza In Preventing Flu » August 24, 2005Regulation to Require the Use of Bear Resistant CanistersAccording to an article from Empire Information Service The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the adoption of a regulation requiring overnight users in the Eastern Zone of the High Peaks Wilderness Area to use bear resistant canisters for the storage of food, toiletries, and garbage during the period of April 1 through November 30 of each year. The regulation will become effective following publication in the New York State Register tomorrow, August 24, 2005."The regulation defines bear resistant canisters as a commercially made container constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears. Bear resistant canisters are usually made of hard plastic, weigh three to five pounds, and can hold up to nine days worth of food for one camper. Canisters are available for purchase or rental at many outdoor equipment retailers statewide. "Bear resistant canisters are proven to be an effective means for preventing bears from obtaining campers' food. Data collected by DEC during the summer of 2004 shows that of the approximately 400 reported bear interactions with humans in the Eastern High Peaks, half resulted in bears taking campers' food. Of the people who reported encounters with bears, more than 75 percent of those using tree hangs lost their food to bears. Only one person who used a bear resistant canister reported a loss of food, due to the failure to properly secure the canister's lid. DEC has removed cable systems from the Eastern High Peaks that were previously used by campers to hang their food." Ok, that's not such a bad idea. Maybe there are sensible regulations that prevent humans from attacks from animals. Related from Werner Herzog: Grizzly Man, A devastating and heart-wrenching take on grizzly bear activists Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard, who were killed in October of 2003 while living among grizzlies in Alaska. Posted by the Joint Center at August 24, 2005 09:08 AM |
