To the editor:
I live in Stockbridge, where several bear incidents in the past led to bear deaths. These had been prompted by human interest in entertainment from feeding bears without concern for the bears’ ultimate well-being.
I have had bears in my house and yard. I used to try to frighten them by yelling, banging pots, and other loud noises, but these strategies were not always successful.
I have discovered one strategy that always works. I spray my fire extinguisher into the air, not at that bear. The loud noise and cloud of white powder invariably gets them to turn and run. I suspect this could also be directed at the bear, but there is no need, and it could cause harm or anger them.(It could be useful for human intruders though…)
Charles Kenny
Stockbridge
