02-26-2006, 07:56 PM
guitarman - admiration for the fact that, in his mind, he was helping to protect the bears. Like I said, I felt he was incredibly foolish in his methodology.
Let's put it this way, it's pretty much the same way I feel about people who try to protect snakes. There are foolish people who would handle rattlesnakes with their bear hands, thinking they could somehow keep such wild animals from killing them. There are others who take a more sane & scientific approach - handling the snakes with snake hooks. Both of these types of people have the same goal - to help the animals they're studying.
What's not to admire?
This guy did something he felt was worth dying over - touching and "befriending" wild animals. It's not something I particularly agree with, but it was what he wanted...and for 10+ years, he succeeded. And even though he died, he left behind some incredible footage & photos. Quite a legacy, IMO (even if the guy had a couple of screws loose).
Let's put it this way, it's pretty much the same way I feel about people who try to protect snakes. There are foolish people who would handle rattlesnakes with their bear hands, thinking they could somehow keep such wild animals from killing them. There are others who take a more sane & scientific approach - handling the snakes with snake hooks. Both of these types of people have the same goal - to help the animals they're studying.
What's not to admire?
This guy did something he felt was worth dying over - touching and "befriending" wild animals. It's not something I particularly agree with, but it was what he wanted...and for 10+ years, he succeeded. And even though he died, he left behind some incredible footage & photos. Quite a legacy, IMO (even if the guy had a couple of screws loose).