Bear Attack

It appears that a bear has killed a hiker in New Jersey.

New Jersey wildlife officials believe that a black bear in search of food killed a Rutgers University senior who was hiking with four friends over the weekend.

 The body of Darsh Patel, 22, of Edison, N.J., was found Sunday in the Apshawa Preserve in West Milford. Police Chief Timothy Storbeck said the male bear was walking in a circle about 30 yards from the victim's body and wouldn't leave even after officers tried to scare it away by making loud noises and throwing sticks and stones.

The article goes on to describe the scene, and talks about the bear having to be killed with rifle fire, and talks about safety in the woods where there are bears.  The curious part of the article is that it never talks about carrying a rifle while hiking.  I would think that in bear country a rifle would be a sensible precaution.  Of course, it may be that in the present state of New Jersey, the idea of having a rifle along for the daily might not be fashionable among the residents of that state.  They would do well to remember the words of Thomas Jefferson.

  A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprize, and independance to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks.

Condolences to her family.  She might never have been taught to use firearms, and more's the pity.