Posted on 06/08/2010 9:10:08 AM PDT by JoeProBono
Can the same zap that immobilizes a criminal brandishing a weapon be used on a manic moose or a gonzo grizzly? Spurred by the efforts of Fish and Game wildlife technician Larry Lewis of Soldotna, the use of Tasers on large animals is beginning to gain currency among wildlife managers across the U.S. -- and even overseas.
"Since we've started this five years ago, it has garnered a lot of interest from other states and management agencies," said Lewis, who recently finished instructing the first group of state Division of Wildlife Conservation staffers on the use of Tasers in limited wildlife situations, making Alaska the first state to officially use Tasers for wildlife control. Six months ago, Lewis presented the idea of using Tasers on bears to a group of wildlife managers who deal with human-bear conflicts during a conference in Canmore, Alberta. Much to his surprise, no one scoffed. "I didn't get one negative comment," he said. "Mainly what I heard was that if this saves an animal's life, it's a useful tool."
Lewis first became interested in the prospect of using Tasers in wildlife management five years ago when an Alaska State Trooper requested his help. "I had an epiphany while being chased by an angry moose,"
(Excerpt) Read more at adn.com ...
Electric fences
Not much chance of hitting them where they would feel it. Both animals have thick hides, and the only place a bear would feel it would be on the face. Aim true, boys.
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