A recent episode in Anchorage has raised public interest in the use of TASERs for dealing with nuisance bears.
For the past several years, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game has been researching the use of TASERs in such situations. The research is continuing and ADF&G staff members are working with the manufacturer's representatives to answer the many questions surrounding use on animals.
One of the most important unresolved issues is how bears are likely to respond once free from the debilitating effects of the device. From thousands of cases with darted and sedated bears, we know the animals' response upon recovery is fairly predictable. A bear's response to TASERs is not yet fully understood. Will a bear turn and attack the shooter when the electrical current stops?
Will a bear run off, but yet be enraged to the point of attacking the next human it encounters? This latter question has important ramifications in the urban or suburban setting.
TASERs may well prove to be a useful and supportable tool in dealing with human-wildlife encounters; however, such an endorsement now would be premature. Additional research is necessary before ADF&G can recommend using this technology on bears or other animals.
Local news outlets recently reported on the use of a civilian TASER by off-duty Anchorage Police Lieutenant Dave Parker for the purpose of discouraging a food-conditioned bear. Had this event been a life-threatening or property-threatening encounter, any kind of force would have been authorized. But the circumstances were not so, and thus the use of the TASER in this case entailed unnecessary risk.
Media attention, coupled with Parker's well-known connection to the police department, may have given the public the misperception that TASER use of this kind is acceptable or even recommended. The APD regrets the role one of its employees may have had in sending an incorrect message on this topic, and welcomes this opportunity to join the ADF&G in setting the matter straight. Additionally, the APD wants to reinforce, not undermine, the ADF&G's longstanding campaign to improve homeowner habits regarding inadequate storage of food and trash.
"Even police officers sometimes make mistakes," said Lt. Parker. "I see that I've made one, and I'm willing to take responsibility for my actions. Hopefully folks will learn from my experience, and will remain safer as a result."
The Anchorage Police Department and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game want to remind the Anchorage public of ways to stay safe and avoid bear related troubles:
- Do not store human food, animal food (including birdseed) or trash in a way that attracts bears
- Do not haze wildlife in a manner that violates law or endangers either people or wildlife
- Remember you can take an animal in defense of life or property, provided you have tried non-lethal methods and you did not negligently attract the bear
- Acquire and use bear-proof trash containers if you live in a neighborhood prone to bear visits
- Avoid trails where bear warning signs are posted
The APD and the ADF&G thank you for your cooperation and your efforts to keep Anchorage a safe place to live and play.
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Andy said on Monday, May 9 at 3:46 AM
•Remember you can take an animal in defense of life or property, provided you have tried non-lethal methods and you did not negligently attract the bear" In other words, if you are responsible for negligently attracting the bear, you must let it kill you.
66707821Marge 99714 said on Sunday, May 8 at 10:35 PM
Actually it was Fish&Game's stupidity in their attempt to taze a moose to remove a rope from around its neck that got the 'do not taze wildlife' rule on the books now. Buncha ree-turds. Obviously the general public in fact, has more sense.
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