The grizzly bear population used to thrive in a large portion of North America. It wasn’t until about halfway through the 20th century that the grizzly species began showing signs of extirpation. First it was pandas and polar bears, and now we’re hearing of grizzlies facing imminent devastation. But what is the looming cause of the bears’ decline? Without question, these bears that used to be predominant predators are being preyed upon by humanity’s excessive infrastructure.
For decades, entrepreneurs have strived to expand their business places and networking systems. Doing so largely involves the expansion of suburban cities, building roadways, train tracks as well as the excavation of minerals and oil from the land. Those forests were home to many creatures, and if they were not killed in the direct process of deforestation, they might quickly perish if they cannot find a new refuge. The largest of these animals are the bears. Grizzlies have had their environment ripped from under their paws and, naturally, were left with nowhere else to go. Worse off, the bears rely heavily on wildly-growing food sources. Since people are warned against feeding bears to prevent them from relying on humans for food – what would be a devastating connection – they lose access to nourishment and therefore cannot thrive. As their natural resources diminish, so does their population.
Being evicted from their habitat, grizzly bears might wander. Unfortunately, wandering anywhere civilized equates a death sentence for them.
Wild bears are regularly hunted all over North America, so indigenous groups and eco-saviors are pursuing the rescue and recuperation of the grizzly species. It is entirely possible to live harmoniously with these creatures, we just need to consider them and value their line as much as we do any other.