Victor the beloved black bear loved to wander around Mammoth Lakes, California. All the locals knew him.
They said he was used to being around people and wasn’t bothered by most human behavior.
A host at the area’s Pine City campground said Victor was always very calm, and mild-mannered, and that “it took a lot to spook Victor.”
But then irresponsible campers showed up. And they spooked Victor. And he wound up dead.
They carelessly stayed nearby as Victor went through their dinner and their groceries – and then, ultimately, a camper got way too close while filming him.
That was what finally spooked sweet Victor, and he reacted defensively out of fear. Luckily, no one was significantly injured.
Wildlife officials were called and when they arrived on the scene, they shot him as a danger to the public. His body was then unceremoniously dumped at a landfill, blood draining out onto the dirt below, a final insult to a bear whom so many loved.
Please sign this petition to demand that authorities set an example and hold these campers responsible for their actions!
This article by Mathew Davise was first published by One Green Planet on 8 September 2024. Image Credit :Martin G. Hawks/Shutterstock.
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