Stop unnecessary killing of bears in Vermont
Stop unnecessary killing of bears in Vermont
The Issue
On June 3, a black bear searching for food tragically lost his life outside the Matterhorn, a restaurant near Stowe Mountain Resort. This incident unfolded after the bear, unaware of the potential threat, repeatedly entered the walk-in cooler in search of sustenance. In pursuit of frozen chicken patties, the innocent animal was ultimately shot by a responding police officer. Wounded, the bear fled only to perish on the serene banks of the West Branch of the Little River. The unnecessary loss of this bear has left the community shaken. Matterhorn owner, Charlie Shaffer, expressed his horror, stating, "If I had been there, I would have put myself between the bear and them. It’s ridiculous.". Email complaints directly to the police here.
The shooting of this bear coincides with an increase in Vermont’s black bear population, leading to a rise in human-bear encounters. These majestic creatures, often driven by hunger, venture into human spaces searching for easy meals at bird feeders and unsecured trash bins.
This raises important questions regarding how authorities respond to wildlife encounters. Should lethal force be the immediate reaction? It is crucial to explore alternative measures that can prevent such tragedies while ensuring public safety and wildlife preservation.
We urge Vermont state officials and local law enforcement to adopt non-lethal measures for managing wildlife encounters. Training officers in the use of deterrents such as noise-makers and bear spray, as well as investing in community awareness campaigns about securing food sources, can significantly reduce the risk of such devastating outcomes.
Vermont’s rich wildlife is a testament to its natural beauty, and coexisting with these creatures requires compassion and commitment. Let us stand together to protect our bears and promote humane treatment in wildlife management practices.
Sign this petition to call on Vermont authorities to implement non-lethal policies and safeguard both humans and animals in our shared environment. Let’s ensure that such a tragedy doesn't repeat in our beautiful state.
128
The Issue
On June 3, a black bear searching for food tragically lost his life outside the Matterhorn, a restaurant near Stowe Mountain Resort. This incident unfolded after the bear, unaware of the potential threat, repeatedly entered the walk-in cooler in search of sustenance. In pursuit of frozen chicken patties, the innocent animal was ultimately shot by a responding police officer. Wounded, the bear fled only to perish on the serene banks of the West Branch of the Little River. The unnecessary loss of this bear has left the community shaken. Matterhorn owner, Charlie Shaffer, expressed his horror, stating, "If I had been there, I would have put myself between the bear and them. It’s ridiculous.". Email complaints directly to the police here.
The shooting of this bear coincides with an increase in Vermont’s black bear population, leading to a rise in human-bear encounters. These majestic creatures, often driven by hunger, venture into human spaces searching for easy meals at bird feeders and unsecured trash bins.
This raises important questions regarding how authorities respond to wildlife encounters. Should lethal force be the immediate reaction? It is crucial to explore alternative measures that can prevent such tragedies while ensuring public safety and wildlife preservation.
We urge Vermont state officials and local law enforcement to adopt non-lethal measures for managing wildlife encounters. Training officers in the use of deterrents such as noise-makers and bear spray, as well as investing in community awareness campaigns about securing food sources, can significantly reduce the risk of such devastating outcomes.
Vermont’s rich wildlife is a testament to its natural beauty, and coexisting with these creatures requires compassion and commitment. Let us stand together to protect our bears and promote humane treatment in wildlife management practices.
Sign this petition to call on Vermont authorities to implement non-lethal policies and safeguard both humans and animals in our shared environment. Let’s ensure that such a tragedy doesn't repeat in our beautiful state.
128
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Petition created on June 12, 2026