Day/date: Friday, June 27, 1986
Ken Mabery, SWRO -- 6/27/86, 10:15
Park: Big Thicket, Padre Island
Thicket -- Considerable tree damage. Unknown yet if any facility or NPS
property damage. Many employees no in today due to damage
to personal property. At least one tort claim -- NPS tree hit
private residence.
Padre -- Tides 1' above normal -- nothing else.
FIELD INCIDENT REPORT
Initial Report
Date/time of incident: Night of 26th-27th Date/time received: Noon, 27th
Park: Everglades Park CI #:
Reported by: Jerry Hammond, CR Phone(s): FTS 350-4653
Received by: Bill Halainen Phone(s): 343-4874
Follow-up contact: Pat Towle, PIO Phone(s):
Jerry Hammond, CR
Brief summary of incident: Bear killing near EVER by Indians.
Follow Up Report
Received by: Bill Halainen Phone(s): 343-4874
Incident location: See below.
Summary: Rangers at Tamiami ranger station reported Black bear near 500'
strip which runs for 6-8 miles long along North boundary and is owned &
controlled by NPS but on a 99 year lease to Mikasuki tribe. Bear was
not on but near strip. Private residences, other buildings along strip.
Bears considered "very distasteful" to tribe; will go out of way to
destroy them. Bear moved south, then moved across and north that night.
tried to kill a pig & was allegedly shot w/ .22 by Indians. Bear fled,
then returned & was killed by Indians w/ shotgun.
EVER involved cuz bear came from park. Main investigation by State.
Very few black bears in park. Protected status in state -- not endangered
or threatened.
Visitors involved:
Name Address DOB Sex
Anticipated developments: Could become political issue between tribe + State
+ NPS could become involved. Do Indians have rights to kill protected species
etc? NPS will document & keep on top of.
Any impacts on visitation? N/A
Potential sensitivity? Above.