- #1
adam15229
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Suppose that you had trespassed into the bear sanctuary and were attacked by a bear. Should the rangers shoot the bear or let it eat you?
Resolve the Bear Sanctuary Dilemma: Shoot or Be Eaten? Expert Advice
- Thread starter adam15229
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the ethical and legal implications of whether rangers should shoot a bear that attacks a trespasser in a bear sanctuary. Participants highlight that the circumstances of the trespass—intentional or accidental—play a crucial role in determining the appropriate response. The consensus suggests that if the trespasser is a poacher, the rangers may not be obligated to shoot the bear, whereas an accidental trespass could lead to liability for the sanctuary. Ultimately, the decision hinges on local laws governing wildlife sanctuaries.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of wildlife sanctuary laws
- Knowledge of ethical considerations in wildlife management
- Familiarity with the implications of human-animal interactions
- Awareness of legal liability in cases of animal attacks
- Research local wildlife sanctuary laws in your region
- Study ethical frameworks regarding human-animal conflicts
- Examine case studies of bear attacks and sanctuary responses
- Explore the legal responsibilities of wildlife rangers
Wildlife managers, legal professionals, ethicists, and anyone involved in animal conservation and public safety in wildlife sanctuaries.
- #2
berkeman
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Trespassed on purpose or by accident?
- #3
adam15229
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hmmmmm. good question, but the book doesn't say. would you have a different answer for each circumstance?
- #4
Moonbear
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adam15229 said:
This sounds like it might be a homework question? It also sounds like more of an ethics question than a biology question.
- #5
adam15229
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yeah, its an extra credit question and he said there is a right and wrong answer.
- #6
berkeman
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Without more info, I don't think you can say there is a right and a wrong answer. For example, if they trespassed totally by accident and were blind-sided by the bear for no particular reason, then the sanctuary and rangers would probably be liable for the damages of the attack, and the rangers would be smart to shoot the bear before it could inflict much injury.
On the other hand, if the tresspassers were poachers, were sneaking up on a baby cub to shoot it or something, and mama bear surprised the poacher and reacted instinctively to protect her young, then I doubt that the rangers would be required to shoot the bear that they are there to protect.
The "right" answer would probably come down to a matter of the applicable laws. Try researching the laws regarding game sanctuaries (in the country where you are -- they probably are different in Africa versus Canada versus the US), and see if there are some clues there.
On the other hand, if the tresspassers were poachers, were sneaking up on a baby cub to shoot it or something, and mama bear surprised the poacher and reacted instinctively to protect her young, then I doubt that the rangers would be required to shoot the bear that they are there to protect.
The "right" answer would probably come down to a matter of the applicable laws. Try researching the laws regarding game sanctuaries (in the country where you are -- they probably are different in Africa versus Canada versus the US), and see if there are some clues there.
- #7
vanesch
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I surely would say that there is a right answer: shoot the bear!
No matter what considerations, a human life is always worth more than an animal. At least from a human viewpoint
No matter what considerations, a human life is always worth more than an animal. At least from a human viewpoint