[aigel]

Over the years I have pursued dozens of black bears behind a seasoned pack of fierce hounds. Most times it was catch and release. If there is good feed (in this case natural feed) the bears never move out of the area just because of pressure from dogs. They simply run away / tree and go about their regular business 10 minutes after you pull the dogs back. Like I said, a dog is more of annoyance to them than a threat. You can catch the same bear over and over and over. It may just tree faster, after getting nipped a couple of times.

I very much doubt that the Kareilan bear dogs will do anything different. They are just dogs. Like Jeff points out, if the program is driven by the fish and game, why would they have objective data on the effectiveness of the bear hearding dog program?

Some people don't like to see bears killed, as they are such pretty animals and still carry the stigma of being sparse and special. But most western states' bear populations are very healthy. Taking the problem bears will not affect the well being of the species in any way. Yes, you will have a dead bear or two - but there is no dying in bed of old age anywhere in nature ...

Cheers,

George