Woman killed by pet black bear

[snopes]

A woman was attacked and killed by her pet black bear while trying to clean the animal's cage.

http://www.mcall.com/news/police/all...,3099677.story

[Jay Tea]

Once again, I feel sorry for the 'pet' that ended up paying the price for human arrogance and stupidity.

[geminilee]

Shocking. There was no way anyone could have predicted this...


I wish laws regarding wild and exotic animals were much more stringent. A 15 by 15 cage? All concrete? That poor bear didn't deserve a life like that. I hope the lion and tiger go to a zoo which can provide proper housing for them.

[purpleiguana]

Yes, Virginia, wild animals really don't make good pets.

[DawnStorm]

Originally Posted by purpleiguana

Yes, Virginia, wild animals really don't make good pets.

Things you shouldn't have to tell people.
I can't understand why some people have wild animals as pets. Ego? There's no way you can care for the animal properly no matter how hard you try. I have no problem with zoos or wildlife preserves, but keeping a bear, lion whatever as a 'pet'? I have to ask why?

[geminilee]

Originally Posted by DawnStorm

There's no way you can care for the animal properly no matter how hard you try.

I think that depends on the person, and the species in question. Most non-predatory species could be handled by semi-professionals without too many problems; all that is required is sufficient knowledge of their diet/care, and a good habitat. Non-predatory exotics require a bit more knowledge, and extra care to ensure that they are contained because of the risk of introducing non-native species. Predatory animals require vast amounts of knowledge of diet and behavior, plus extra care taken to provide a habitat that is escape-proof (and not torture to the animal, as this habitat was.)

I would be satisfied with licensing being required for all non-domestic pets (with the varying tiers I have listed requiring further licensing levels), as long as it was species-specific to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and setup for each species.