Regardless, I’m pretty sure anything would be unpredictable if something came in between its offspring.

The problem is Black Bears tend to be more unpredictable even than Grizzlies. Part of the problem is that people assume they are simply not as aggressive and therefore are a lot more careless around them. Stalking behavior is not uncommon in black bears if the bear has learned that people will throw them food–which some do thinking the bears are retiring and non-aggressive, even friendly and cuddly so they tend to lose their fear of people. I’m not suggesting this is what Mrs. Lavoie was doing by the way, but this bear may have been conditioned to expect something from humans.

I suspect that the increase in wildlife attacks comes in part at least from man’s attempt to treat wild animals like family pets. They forget these are wild animals and need to be given the respect and distance deserving of any dangerous creature.

I’m also a little amazed at the ministry’s suggestion that climbing a tree is good way to escape a Black Bear! Makes you wonder just how much these guys get out of the office! These bears are very good climbers!Sounds like a good way to end up Black Bear droppings to me!

I believe that there is a moderate increase in the actual number of attacks, and I attribute that to the fact that there are many more people living in or near what used to be “wilderness” areas. Then with cellphones being so common and add the internet, the attacks that occur are reported more quickly, and to a wider audience, than ever before.

Goon, I believe that a black bear would be at least as likely a a dog or a raccoon to defend her young – maybe not in the same way a grizzly bear does, but there have been documented cases of black bears attacking people who got between them and their cubs – I actually saw one case profiled on Animal Planet or maybe NGC where that happened. I, for one, certainly would not want to put it to the test .

Bears will be bears. Also, who knows? This particular bear may have been ill or injured. Regardless, this is no mystery animal attack. From start to finish, it was a bear. Unless new facts are presented saying otherwise, I’m going to accept the reported, most-likely data.

On a final note, presenting these animal attacks as “mystery cryptids” without any definitive reason to do so reminds me of those paranormal investigators that claim every light spot on a photo is a “ghost”. It devalues the nature of this scientific field.

My thoughts go out to the family of the victim.

I wouldn’t be so fast to call it a myth that black bears don’t defend cubs.

I have been in situations with black bears and cubs in which I would have been attacked if the bears were grizz. It is true that it is virtually certain that you will get attacked by a ma griz with cubs if you get within a certain “attack distance” (forget what it is; I’d just say when you see that situation coming, provided God gave you notice, go in the other direction and don’t stop ’til you are back at the trailhead). It is true that black bear mothers put up with cub harrassment that would get you killed if ma was a griz.

But it is best NEVER to fool with a bear cub, of any species. When you see one, find out where ma is, soonest, and go the other way.

Not only are habituated black bears more dangerous. Bears in remote areas where they rarely see humans – such as northern Quebec – will hunt humans for food. It is not at all unclear why this bear attacked; it was hungry. Period.

It may be considered that blackbears in the NE are generally shy but quite often those who eat garbage are less shy and larger and better fed than those who live by forage.

There are many bear attacks documented. Especially if the bear is surprised all animals may be considered unpredictable,so ascribing the attack to a mystery creature and saying the bear was just an innocent bystander is most likely off the mark