https://www.change.org/p/save-blondie-the-monrovia-mother-bear-and-her-cubs

In Monrovia, a mother bear named Blondie was tragically killed after an incident where she scratched a woman after being startled by the woman's dogs, and a DNA test linked her to this incident and another one last year. The injustice of Blondie's death is heart-wrenching, not only because everyone in our community loved her but because it underscores a serious flaw in how we handle wildlife interactions. Blondie was a gentle creature, never a problem to our community. The real issue lies in the design of houses that allow bears to access them, raising the risk of such encounters.  The reason the incident was repeated was because the original access points and attractants still existed.  It was only coincidence that Blondie was involved in both incidents.  https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/bear-monrovia-woman-euthanized-wildlife-officials/

The tragedy of Blondie’s death could have been avoided with a more humane approach to wildlife management. The city of Monrovia wanted to see her relocated, not killed, and many of us echo this sentiment. It is crucial that we revise our state policies immediately and adopt a 100% non-lethal approach to handling bear encounters. This includes implementing strategies like habitat management, exclusion techniques, and attractant removal to prevent bears from wandering into human spaces.

Statistics from wildlife management experts show that coexistence with bears is entirely possible and beneficial when non-lethal methods are used. For instance, in communities with robust wildlife management policies, bear encounters are managed safely without loss of life on either side. Not only do these methods protect the bears, but they also educate the community, fostering respect and understanding towards wildlife. Such strategies have proven successful in other regions, providing a pathway for us to follow.

We cannot ignore the social and ecological value bears like Blondie provide to our environment. Now, more than ever, it’s important to protect them and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystem. By championing change, we honor the spirit of Blondie and countless other bears who should be allowed to roam freely and safely in their natural habitat.

Join us in demanding that our state's wildlife management policies shift towards non-lethal strategies and place the emphasis back on living harmoniously with our wildlife. Sign this petition and make your voice heard. Stand with us in the campaign for justice for Blondie and to prevent unnecessary bear fatalities in the future. The time for change is now. Sign the petition today to be part of this essential transformation.