The Catskills is going through a drought right now, and the bear was looking for food. My guess is the the baby had a soiled diaper, was left unattended, and the scent attracted the bear. The mauling, most likely, was accidental when the bear was spooked by people panicking.
I'm not sure shooting the bear (at two years of age, just out of cub stage) was the correct course of action, but it is the customary corrective action.
I think more in terms of "shame on the family" for panicking and leaving their infant unattended, as well as the rest of the humans in the area over-reacting to what should have otherwise been a timid creature.
However, I wasn't there, and I can not judge. I mourn the loss of both lives.
It's sad, but a fed bear is a dead bear.
The Catskills is going through a drought right now, and the bear was looking for food. My guess is the the baby had a soiled diaper, was left unattended, and the scent attracted the bear. The mauling, most likely, was accidental when the bear was spooked by people panicking.
I'm not sure shooting the bear (at two years of age, just out of cub stage) was the correct course of action, but it is the customary corrective action.
I think more in terms of "shame on the family" for panicking and leaving their infant unattended, as well as the rest of the humans in the area over-reacting to what should have otherwise been a timid creature.
However, I wasn't there, and I can not judge. I mourn the loss of both lives.