[Philmont] Black Bear Attack

I think you mean this article:
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Jun18/0,4670,BRFBearAttack,00.html

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20070619-1234-wst-bearattack.html
   
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  Yes, I do. I read all the available articles about the attack hoping to post a link to the most complete article and I simply failed at that endeavor in my haste to get it posted and leave for work. I apologise for that. Now I am at work and like some others on this list, have a little time on my hands.
   
  It is very sad and unfortunate for this young man and his family. The grandfather has lashed out in his anger and frustration and helplessness. I am sorry for that.
   
  And as expected, like Rush calls them "the drive by media" has made a circus of the reports. The simple truth is a lot of things were done or not done that shouldn't have occurred. The stage for a death was set through ignorance and lack of knowledge.
   
  The first thing I noticed from the sketchy report was the father could not follow and find his son just 400 yards from the tent and had to leave to get help because he did not have a flashlight and was in shower shoes. this is a shame because he might just possibly could have fended off the bear and saved his sons life. In events like this, time is of essense.
   
  In Handbook for Boys, 1956 edition which I memorized before becoming a Scout, the three items on top of the pack were a flashlight, first aid kit and poncho or raincoat.
   
  Now I rest my case of all the posts I have made stating all the various flimsy "camp shoes" "Crocks" and other such drival were inappropriate. I rest my case for owning a North Face sleeping bag with a pocket near the head opening which contains my flashlight.
   
  When I was a combat medic in the U S Army, we slept prepared for whatever occurred knowing that it would occur. Murphy is still in charge.
   
  When sleeping in bear country, you MUST sleep prepared for whatever will occur and be ready to act in a moments notice.
   
  I don't live in Bear country, I live in Alligator country. The same goes here. It will occur and you better be ready for it.

   
  This father has a miserable burden to carry the rest of his life and I am not condeming him. I feel really compasionate. However, my advise to adult advisors is to stop and think of your charges ahd the action you will take should the inevitable occur. Pre plan for the inevetable.
   
  As a Scout, old or young, you must remain "Be Prepared" at all times.
   
  And finally, I pray for the family of this young man and share in their loss. May God rest his soul.
   
  John LeBlanc
   
  PS I'll dig up the story of my Philmont bear experience from 1959 and repost it on this list. I haven't done that in a few years. It will simply illustrate that some things change and some things stay the same when dealing with bears.
   
   
  

       
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Received on Tue Jun 19 19:06:46 2007