We came across this letter to the editor of the Aspen Times, in which the writer expounds on the manufactured fear of bears that causes people to overreact when they see or come in contact with a bear.   This seems to happen in any area where people and bears try to live together in harmony, including our own Southern Appalachians.

However, when it comes to handling so-called “problem bears” in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we must emphasize that the wildlife officers are very compassionate and caring of the animals, as well as the visitors.  We thank them for the outstanding  job they do, even though sometimes they are not appreciated by the public.