Reader: Shooting of a mother bear in Crestone was unjustified & state must be accountable

Our story about the killing of a mother bear in Crestone by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer, and the current status of the two cubs she left behind, drew a response from the woman who owns the ranch where the shooting took place. Here's what she has to say...

By Michael Roberts

November 7, 2011

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Our story about the killing of a mother bear in Crestone by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer, and the current status of the two cubs she left behind, drew a response from the woman who owns the ranch where the shooting took place.

Here's what she has to say.

Etjohnsonlaw writes:

The mother bear was killed on my ranch. The killing of this mother should never have occurred and the DOW has tried, since that time, to justify their actions. There are now in excess of 30 orphaned bear cubs and the fate of all of these mother bears cannot be adequately explained by the DOW. This is unacceptable. The people of Colorado need to demand accountability from the DOW, who is entrusted to protect OUR wildlife. We need to have zero tolerance for the killing of bears with nursing cubs. Thank you for the story.

-- Elaine Johnson

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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Reader: Shooting of a mother bear in Crestone was unjustified & state must be accountable

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