Agency Proposes Polar|Bear Deterrence Guide

WASHINGTON (CN) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed guidelines describing appropriate ways for deterring polar bears from hurting people and damaging property, including using acoustic devices, and patrolling the outside of an area.The means are meant to be nonlethal and safe.     Passive deterrence measures include rigid fencing with skirting and cages for people.     The agency would not require anyone to implement these guidelines, and no one not implementing them would be liable for not doing so.     The deterrence guidelines, “will not change the legal status quo for any activities in Alaska,” an agency press release notes.     Outside of the guidelines, the agency authorizes hazing of bears to keep them out of populated areas, and killing a bear to save a life.     The agency requests public comment on the guidelines.