In Mammoth Lakes Saturday night, a mother bear was killed in a traffic accident. She left two very small cubs. The Department of Fish and Game warden who responded, William Wietzel, stated, according to those on scene, that the cubs could “starve and be eaten by coyotes.” He refused to allow the Tahoe Bear rescue or Eastern Sierra Wildlife Care take them. This, in spite of the fact that Fish and Game policy clearly states that orphaned cubs found after August first, dependent on the sow should be “picked up and sent to wildlife rehab.”
According to those at the accident scene, arrangements had been made for the baby bears to go to the Tahoe Bear Rescue. They were too young to survive on their own, weighing about 18 pounds each. Those on scene said that the Fish and Game warden said, “If you do anything to rescue these cubs, you will be charged.”
In addition to Tahoe Bear Rescue, Cindy Kamler of Eastern Sierra Wildlife Care was also ready to take the cubs. Mammoth Wildlife Specialist Steve Searles said that the mother bear, named Burgundy through his work with the animal, and her two cubs were caught in traffic on Highway 203. He said the sow rammed a truck and was killed. “This,” he said, “was an accident. What happened next was not.”
Searles said he tried to get Warden Weitzel to allow the cubs to be rescued. When he refused to do that, Searles tried to get him to leave the mother’s body in the forest for the cubs to suckle. He refused, Searles said, and took the bear’s body to the dump. Searles called the warden’s actions “a horrible, horrible, calloused decision.”
According to the Department of Fish and Game’s Statewide Black Pear Policy 2071, posted on the internet, cubs that are orphaned, dependent on their mother, and not imprinted by people, should be sent to Wildlife Rehabilitation. The policy also says that provisions must be made for the “capture, transportation, timing of release and financial resources for the capture, care and release of the animal, including Department costs.” In this case, Searles had arranged and Tahoe Bear Rescue had agreed to handle all of the details required by policy.
The Fish and Game policy also says that orphaned cubs that are candidates for rehabilitation “will be transported in a secure container as quickly as possible to the rehabilitation facility where they will be held in secure confinement.” Those who witnessed the incident in Mammoth said they were sickened by the cruelty of Fish and Game.
We have emailed Sacramento Fish and Game for an explanation.
Many people posting here choose to vilify the warden and DFG. If you can’t keep your discussions focused on the issues rather than the people, then you are really not debating and exchanging ideas effectively. If you can only vilify others then stop complaining about our Congress. They don’t stick… Read more »
For those of you who favor intervention for bear cubs in cases like this because not doing so is cruel, consider this. Male bears eat their own offspring as well as the offspring of other female bears. Yes, cannibalism exists in the bear population. The rate of this killing is… Read more »
For those of you who commented about the authority of a Department of Fish and Game warden to pull you over on the highway here is the correct information. DFG wardens are California Peace Officers and can and do enforce the vehicle code, the penal code and any others that… Read more »
Call and report this negligent incident (559) 243-4005
After numerous calls, I have just been notified by DF&G that they have decided to review this case. . A Mr.Tim Taylor, wildlife biologist for Mono County has been instructed to locate and assess the cubs condition for transport to the rehab center for eventual re release into the forest.… Read more »
Diana, Please see our latest posted story. Tim Taylor did not agree that the cubs should be rescued.
Benett
Diana, is this a second contact by DFG to assess them?
There are too many bears for the available habitat. Natural factors that keep the population in balance are lacking. The availability of human food has increased the amount of protein available to sows resulting in a higher reproduction rate. Bears eat natural foods as well even though human food is… Read more »
Big AL, our wildlife are considered natural resources. Protection of our “natural resources is the DFG mission. If “letting nature take it’s course” is relevant, perhaps DFG should take into consideration that Automobile vs Bear is not a really “natural” event, and intervention is our responsibility to save the cubs.… Read more »
Very true Local!!
Um Local .. I think I have expressed that amongst my thoughts on the matter.
As for wildlife adapting to the threat of automobiles, I think they have had roughly 90 years, give or take a decade. I don’t think that adaptation will happen .. some individuals will learn some sense of what threat the roads are to them, but over all .. I think… Read more »
Good points, John.
Perhaps there is an excess number of humans…..afterall, we are the ones encroaching on THEIR habitat, not the other way around.
Too bad the Bear Whisperer cameras weren’t filming that night…bet the outcome would’ve been different. What a train wreck DFG is…
Taking the cubs to a rehab center is interfering with the processes of nature. The mother was killed, this happens in nature all the time and the cubs are then forced to make it on their own or die. We keep marching into natural processes, demanding that our values be… Read more »
One note – was it letting nature take its course that man’s development (the town, streets, cars) killed the mother bear? Fish and Game’s policy does say cubs dependent on their mother should be rescued.
Benett
since when does the Government do anything right?
I can count 17 Trillion reasons why they are an epic Failure..
GGW
Are you the same John (District Ranger) of the USFS that is closing all the roads. you sure sound like him .
So what does that prove Private Eye?
No I’m not. I don’t work for the Forest Service.
The only excessively dense thing about this whole article is your comment! The mother bear got hit on HWY 203…. not in the back country…… in case you don’t understand what “rehabilitation” is, it’s rescuing an injured OR endangered animal from potential harm (like wandering back and forth on the… Read more »
I’m sure the policy of removing the cubs to a rehabilitation center has nothing to do with protecting the public … I’m sure it has something to do with the welfare of the cubs.
Good post John, thank you.
This is what didn’t make sense to me in all of this .. as I said originally, that the warden’s actions didn’t make sense, yet in relation to the mission of the department, it is policy not to interfere with nature, to let it run it’s course. Which seems to… Read more »
Cars are not nature.
A lot of emotional responses to this article, which is understandable. Let me state right off the bat that I also feel that these cubs should probably have been rescued, based on the information that I have read. But, I was not there, either…. All this aside, I have had… Read more »
The hell with Warden what’s-his-name. Go back as fast as you can, trap the cubs and get them to the wildlife rehab that was originally going to take them. They are obviously still in that area in their mother’s territory and retracing all the places she has taken them. Cubs… Read more »
They can’t charge us all!
If what Wietzel did and said was true, he should be let go. Wrong person for that job. Screening for DFG Wardens should include apathy for the humane treatment of animals. Starving to death is not humane, that’s definitely not permissible in the DFG rules and regs. Animals that get… Read more »
who in their right mind would even consider killing two precious orphaned bear cubs,there are too many options available to let them live,searles,the tahoe bear league,zoos,the list goes on and on,its insanity.
I’d like to know exactly what policies are in place that would legally prevent a CA DFG warden from doing the right thing during a tragedy like the one that occurred Saturday night. If there wasn’t a well-defined law on the books that warden William Wietzel was specifically upholding, I… Read more »
You won’t see this on the next episode of “Wild Justice”. If they were filming in Mammoth the Warden would have driven the cubs to the bear rehab facility personally. Wild Justice is total DFG propaganda. What they do when no camera is rolling shows what they are really about.… Read more »
The correct action in regards to land and wildlife management is often not popular. Popularity is not based on sound science. Science predicted the outcome of removing fire from fire dependent ecosystems and when the Forest Service, National Park Service and BLM began to light prescribed fires and let some… Read more »
The warden should be disciplined – he definitely needs serious recalibration, and if he is an experienced warden, he should be dismissed. But if he’s young and inexperienced it means he’s also overly amped like many young cops, who should be straightened out to lead productive lives of respectful, sensible… Read more »
Good post tourillon, but I think with the newest article on this subject, it is more clearer as to what happened. I do agree though, that Fish and Game needs to really take a proactive stance in this, they are losing much confidence with people.
No Salblaster, I wasn’t blaming them .. I understand the situation, but in the article it eluded to the fact that people had tried to do something prompting the warden to threaten them with charges. Whether or not they chose to challenge that, was their prerogative. And yes, if it… Read more »
Looks like Warden Witzel just past his one year on the job anniversary. From the Sacramento Bee http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2011/08/new-crop-of-gam.html August 12, 2011 New crop of game wardens graduating today A new group of state game wardens graduate from the academy today — including several from the Sacramento region. The 39 men… Read more »
wow,perrys?
I just sent a notification to CNN on this incident. It will be interesting to see if CNN is interested in helping investigate and report on this on a national level.
Hey officer your a guiltless coward… next time I see you your are going to hear it from my lips. What a TOTAL LOSER! Go back to the city you coward!
as a lifelong outdoor user iv’e been hunting and fishing and camping since i can remember and have been stopped questioned and searched many times. in the last 10 to 15 years i have noticed a change in attitude from mostly respectful inqueries to officers seeming to be pissed off… Read more »
Violations of the Fish and Game Code are local charges that would be filed or rejected by the local District attorney, Tim Kendall. Anyone who knows Mr. Kendall knows he would most likely tell the DFG to pound sand. He would not be as blunt about it as me. The… Read more »
What does the warden have to say in response to all of this? Has he been contacted yet for comment or at least clarification for his side of the story?
I am working on getting his phone number. I do want his comments. Historically, most of Fish and Game locally has refused to talk.
Benett
Unacceptable. If we can suspend/fire police officers for fighting with one another, we can certainly see some disciplinary action taken against Mr. Weitzel for showing gross disregard for the rules of his job and apathy towards the creatures he’s sworn to protect. He is a public servant and he has… Read more »
I think we all agree that these two cubs should have been given the best opportunity to survive in a safe environment (The Lake Tahoe Bear League) and that with the information we have, the “weasel” should probably find a profession that better suits him. Heck, maybe become a prison… Read more »
I am so angered, stunned and heartbroken. When did common sense, compassion and just plain humanity go? Shame on you “warden” William Wietzel, shame on you.
Please tell me that someone rescued those cubs.
They are out in the forest starving to death. It will take 5 days to a week for them to die. DFG could never find them. Searles could in a few hours if things could be worked out legally. There is always the option for persons unknown to take the… Read more »
i, too, am worried about the welfare of these cubs. have they been rescued? does anybody know how they are doing and/or where they are?
this weitzel guy sounds like a great candidate for l.a.p.d.,the town of mammoth should take legal action against him,maybe make him pay off mlla
I would like to hear Steve Searles opinions on what went wrong and why?
Don’t you know that the Bishop office of Fish and Game makes up their own rules? No 1600 agreement for Conway Ranch; No Aquaculture Permit either-clearly in violation of their own rules. Taking jurisdiction over irrigation water-contrary to their own rules. The Bishop office lost most of it’s management to… Read more »
ESL … I don’t buy all of that BS, I hope others don’t either … they may have their issues, but all of that is crap. I am not a big fan of some of the game wardens we have for reasons such as this, but to run a line… Read more »
What the witnesses’ and on-lookers (and even Mr.Searles) should have done is ignored this so-called DFG warden Wietzel and challenged his “threats”,and taken matters into their own hands to save these cubs.What would..or could he have done ? This so-called “authority” should be fired from his job.He is a worthless… Read more »
How about turning June Mountain into a wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and educational center? I for one, in this case anyway, would risk injury capturing a 14lb. bear cub and taking it to a rescue center a 20 minute drive away bypassing the knuckleheads of the Fish and Game. We the… Read more »
I think this all comes down to an officer’s decision, failure to act accordingly to the rules and regulations, and to apply a right decision given the circumstances involved. But if he was acting as how he thought the situation should be handled according to how he was trained, then… Read more »
This is absolutely disgusting!!! Like you insinuate Big Al, something is fishy here! If this guy had total disregard for the rules that are in place, he needs to be fired immediately! If Steve and the Tahoe Wild Life group knew the laws / rules as they’re stated why didn’t… Read more »
Can they change their mind about the bear cubs, or did he kill them too cant believe that 🙁 That is unacceptable .
Benett – Is the August 1st policy you refer to new?
Don’t know. Here’s the link – http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/bear/statewidepolicy.html
BK
I tried looking up when the 2071 black bear policy were put into place. But can’t find out when they were put into place. It sure sounds like the game warden here really handled this case totally wrong either way. I was thinking maybe there was a recent change in… Read more »
This guy should be relocated to the beach or some place other than the mountains if he can’t handle the bear situations properly!
He needs to sent to San Francisco where he’ll be put in charge of checking for under-sized lobster in stinkin’ China Town.
If Warden Weitzel goes against his own departments policy, then why is he still on the payroll? Shouldn’t taxpayers demand the best service from those that are suppose to protect the wildlife on our dime?
I remember a story about another hard*ss game warden that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in Idaho, back in 1981. THAT story didn’t have a happy ending either.
Big Rick….Looked up the incident you mention in Idaho back in 1981….another case of some Law Enforcement “wanna-be” finding a venue where they think they can push people around….sometimes don’t end so well for them,does it ?..A couple years ago,I was fishing a local creek and was approached by one… Read more »
So, in summation, you were breaking the law, and he chastised you for breaking the law, but you explained the law shouldn’t apply to you because you’re special. Then he let you go without a ticket for breaking the law. What a jerk.
Bob Loblaw……HUH ?…….I wasn’t breaking no laws…..Do you think I could have been arrested by this “wanna-be” because I wasn’t “displaying ” my fishing license ?…get real….In this type of thing,all he could do was tell me what he did…couldn’t “arrest” me,couldn’t draw his weapon,….AND couldn’t fine me,or issue a… Read more »
Bob Lowlaw..Another thing I should have said..or asked you, since you labeled ME the jerk….In your opinion,why do you think they try to “require” you to wear ,or display your fishing license above your waist ,and not in a safer place,maybe like a wallet ? My guess would be it’s… Read more »
You missed the point entirely Loblaw. Deja wasn’t “breaking the law”, he was recounting something common today but almost unheard of years ago: domineering cops forgetting they are our employees and thinking they are our sovereigns. They, and you, need to get your heads on right.
BREAKING NEWS…….The “rule” of displaying your license above the waist in a visible place is no longer in effect !!!!!!…Boy,THAT is good news…now ,when I go wet a line,I no longer have to risk years of incarseration in a Federal Prison if I keep my license in my wallet….
Typical of the DFG type or any other security personnel with a gun and badge lacking the authority of a real cop.
you’re wrong about DFG lacking authority, they are duly sworn officers of the state of California. They can even write you a traffic ticket.
Fish and Game are not real cops. Unless it has changed, they do not have peace officer powers off duty.
Big Al…If I were driving on the highway and got pulled over by a DFG employee,first thing I would do, IF I decided to pull over,when I quit chuckling,what I would do is ask to speak to his commanding officer,or seargant, before I said a word,or before I signed anything…which… Read more »
Wayne, as far as a DFG employee, other than a warden, yes unless that person is asking for my hunting or fishing license, which they can ask for .. but they wouldn’t be pulling me over on the highway for it. As for a warden, yes they can ask to… Read more »
Big Al…It’s all actually a mute point for a couple reasons…First,I consider myself a good driver,and very rarely get pulled over…one ticket in 42 years of driving…second,I’m not claiming to be a tough guy or nothing,or an authority hater…but if I were attempted to be pulled over on the highway,the… Read more »
Wrong. Game wardens are peace officers and federally deputized and can enforce all laws.
This is a heinous thing to say. Claude Dallas killed in cold blood. He had been poaching and illegally trapping for several years. It is disgusting that he was made a folk hero by so many people. People here are defending two bear cubs and don’t mention that without wildlife… Read more »
Correction to the above. Claude Dallas was not convicted of murder, he was convicted for manslaughter. He served only 24 years for these two murders in spite of his escape from an Idaho prison in the mid 1980’s. Twelve years for each person he killed, he should have received a… Read more »
I’m pretty sure they weren’t justifying it Fred!
“about another hard*ss game warden that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in Idaho, back in 1981. THAT story didn’t have a happy ending either.” The writer is lumping the local game warden in with the two that were killed in Idaho. The implication is that both stories… Read more »
Wouldn’t it have been less cruel to shoot them rather than let them starve or run into traffic where they could have caused an accident?
Just wait until this hit the news wires and oh, it will go national maybe even international…it will be ugly.
Great Idea Sasha! Everyone should Email this story to every news outlet they can think of.
Oh, I have sent this story to plenty of news, Facebook and Twitter accounts. Might take a day or two for the whole weight of public opinion to fall but it will. Fish and Game better brace for impact.
just sent it over to Drudge
if true this guy should be fired
Here is am example of someone who should not be in the job position. I would have taken the cubs and told wanna be warden Wietzel to go pound sand and bring his supervisor.
“And on a related note, Warden William Wietzel felt so good about staring down MLPD and sentencing two defenseless Infant Bear Cubs to death, he went home and kicked his dog and beat his wife”. (Sarcasm off)
Naw, Wietzel went home and wached more of his Faces of Death videos, the guy is obsessed with watching those videos…
Warden Wietzel has no heart. This all about him using his power to stick it to the Town of Mammoth Lakes, it’s successful bear program that makes DFG look stupid and Steve Searles who started the program. Wietzel can puff up and threaten all he wants. There is no way… Read more »
Steve Searles indicated that it was on Meridian near 203.
BK
What were people going to be charged with, if they did the right thing for these animals? Especially since it seems that policy allows for them to be taken to a rehabilitation facility. This doesn’t make sense, hopefully someone can shed some light on this as far as fish and… Read more »
That is exactly what I was thinking Mustang, a problem that I see with the younger wardens, and LEO’s now days, that seems to be more prevalent. As I have posted in some other threads, some newly fielded officers and wardens can not seem to apply some common sense and… Read more »
This the kid that graduated from the academy last year? If so, he seriously needs some mentoring. Very green and not experienced enough to ask for help. Lots of bad decisions recently.
This “Puke” of a Game warden needs to be FIRED FIRED FIRED immediately, what blatant incompetency, obviously the Fool cares more about his overpaid pension Fund Sad Sad Sad 🙁
Yeah! I’ve got a good idea!
Maybe “Friends” of the Inyo can receive a grant (2 million or so) to help save helpless forest orphans from the harsh winter… or from evil hungry coyotes…