Liability and the Bear Issue

Written by Benett Kessler

Wednesday, 27 August 2008

So, how much liability risk does the Town of Mammoth face with bear management, the group Bear With Us and consultant Steve Searles? After all, they're dealing with wild animals, people and property. For Mammoth citizens fearful of this risk, we asked Town Manager Rob Clark to explain. Clark said that Bear With Us does have a liability insurance policy and lists the Town of Mammoth as an additional insured. Manager Clark said that the Town is covered by the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. This covers claims filed by individuals in relation to any activity the Town is involved in. Clark explained that it is the liability risk that has made officials hesitant to authorize Steve Searles to use a firearm, unless he's with a police officer. The Manager also said that the Town can not authorize Searles or Bear With Us to do anything that violates the law such as entering private property. This is problematic when it comes to chasing bears. Managaer Clark said that even a police officer can't go onto private property to follow a bear unless it's an emergency situation. He said this makes Searles' wish to monitor bears a problem. Clark said all of this is not a "black and white matter." He said that opinions on whether Searles can use hazing techniques vary. You guessed it - more meetings on this lie ahead. Comments (3) Subscribe to this comment's feed Brad said:   I support Bear With Us. I think that they are doing a great job at what they do. They Steve Searles needs to have the tools to do his job... One of the reasons I go to the Eastern Sierra's is to see the wildlife. When I go to Mammoth lakes the fishing isn't the only reason I go. I like to see wildlife Deer, Bear, etc... Last year I was at Lake George and I was fishing when this little Bear came to the lake and started going into the many peoples left out food and No Body was there to try to prevent this. I did my best trying to prevent it but with out the right tools That Steve Searles needs this Bear could have been taught this area is not a free hand out area. A Fed Bear is A Dead Bear at least with the DFG. They can be rehabilitated and returned to wild foods... Its a shame that Mammoth Lakes doesn't see the need for a healthy wildlife exposure and the need for experts like Steve Searles and Bear With US for us to co-habitat as we do in such close proximity to the wildlife. Mammoth is growing and it isn't getting any smaller. Give Bear With Us and Steve Searles the tools they need even crossing private property. Come On Now the Wildlife is one of your Biggest reasons why people come to mammoth. Help them Help you... August 27, 2008 David Dills said:   Let me get this straight..... some people don't want Searles to use a gun, but anyone can get a permit from Fish & Game and kill one themselves? There needs to be an interjection of some common sense to this debate. Hazing a bear is alot better than killing it, right? Again, common sense. August 28, 2008 Marianne said:   Thanks to all of you that see this situation clearly and have expressed support. WE NEED ALL THE SUPPORT WE CAN GET! This has not been an easy situation to negotiate, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide a successful community wildlife management program. One that respects and protects our bears and manages the other wild creatures in our community. One that also tries to educate those that aren't "in the know" on the importance of eliminating wildlife access to our trash and food. After all, it is bad human behavior that is the creator of the naughty bear behavior. We invite you to join us on Sunday, Sept. 7th 3:00 - 7:00 poolside at The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth. Steve Searles will be featured; telling his bear stories, updating everyone on what is really going on with the wildlife and talking about his experiences while filming for Animal Planet. There will be food, no host bar, live music and free use of the pool/jacuzzi. Hope to see you there and thank you again! August 28, 2008 Write comment Show/Hide comment form Name Email Comment Write the displayed characters Add Comment