The presentation is over; Brian, Chris and KBD Savute were outstanding, and a record group of more than eighty (80) people attended, and stayed to ask questions. Wolf Haven brought skull models of grizzly, black bear, cougar, and wolf. Mountain Lion Foundation (MLF), Wolf Haven International, GBOP (Grizzly Bear Outreach Project), and WDFW KBD Program provided interesting handouts for the event, coordinated by MLF. The KCLS, Friends of Sammamish Library, and Sammamish Farmers' Market were also key in the event's success. I want to thank Leslee Jaquette for posting this piece about the event.

On Wednesday, August 29, Sammamish Library will host a program on Karelian Bear Dogs. The current plan is to have two senior KBDs, and one of the new KBD puppies. Don't miss this one.

inuyashasama, that cat actually looks pretty relaxed. Cougars are indeed dangerous to deer, elk, and smaller mammals, but pose little threat to people. One of MLF's handouts at the meeting was what to do if you meet a mountain lion in the wild. We'll have handouts available at the August 29 event, too. Usually the Sammamish Library has the Cougar Safety handout available.

The event today, Wed June 6, 2012 at 6 PM is also expecting some special guests. WDFW Enforcement Officer Chris Moszeter is expected to bring his partner, a Karelian Bear Dog, Savute, to the presentation. Officer Moszeter's participation is dependent on the cooperation of the area's wildlife. Additionally, Wolf Haven International plans to have a couple of people at the presentation.

Come early, do some shopping and noshing at the Sammamish Farmers' Market, then watch Dr. Kertson's presentation, and stay to ask questions of Brian, Chris, and the Wolf Haven folks. The kids and you can gather brochures, which can help the kids with facts for those pesky school reports on wildlife.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/kbd/ has additional information about the Karelian Bear Dog program.

The children featured in the piece took a long step toward becoming stewards of Washington's wonderful wildlife heritage. The KBDs also help to save cougars that wander into towns, and some KBDs have helped to find evidence in poaching crimes.

The children in Ms. Gabrio's class picked a fitting tribute to the memory of their dog, Amiko. The KBD enforcement officers picked a fitting thank you. All-in-all, we can take pride in how these people represented Washingtonians!

This law does not apply as the KBD's get all the necessities, and medical care, as seen here. If a pet rescue shelter were to solicit donations should we bring the shelter up on cruelty or hoarding charges? The KBDs have helped to save the lives of cougars and bears that would have been killed just a few years ago. They have found evidence in poaching cases that help convict wildlife killers. This is a positive program that deserves the support of tree huggers. F&W officers see the benefit, and have chipped in because they believe in the program. Here is a chance for YOU to help reimburse the employees. It doesn't require a new tax that can't be passed, it just requires people who want to see wildlife relocated, instead of killed, to send in a few bucks. Perhaps hunters are correct, they are the only ones who support wildlife programs?

The officers want these dogs, as they have proven their ability to keep people and wildlife safe. Safari Club International purchased and sponsored one dog. Conservationists and wildlife lovers need to do the same. Molly Shen and KOMO have done a public service to raise awareness about the voluntary funding of this program. Let’s give it our support. (I have no affiliation to SCI, KOMO or WDFW, but I follow the KBD program as I know it saves bears and cougars from death when they wander into “civilization.”) Let’s support this program.

F&W officers started the Bear Dog Program. http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/kbd/ Mgmt approved, but the program had to be revenue neutral, hence donations to help purchase and support the dogs. These dogs participate in "hard releases," as shown in the video. They tree cougars and bears to enable the officers to tranquilize and relocate the bear or cat. They are exactly what we have asked for: "Why can't they relocate ...." Dogs like Cash make it possible. It takes training and time to get the dogs up to speed, the breeder only breeds one litter per year, so if F&W is to keep the program growing, they have to sign up for the dogs well in advance.