Paws and ponder , text by Chris R. Shepherd and Loretta Ann Shepherd
This article, Paws and Ponder by Chris R. Shepherd and Loretta Ann Shepherd, raises the awareness of how the existence of wild bears is threatened by the cultures of human society. This article is focusing mainly on the situation in South East Asia.
As described in the article, bears are often hunted for commercial purposes as their parts are sold for uses in traditional medicines and human consumption. This idea originated from the culture of the Chinese. They believe that bear parts have high health value when consumed. Also, due to its rarity and legitimacy, people often consume them as a sign of society status. This is how the culture of human society depriving other animals the right of life.
Due to the bear parts high demand, The Malayan Sun Bear and The Asiatic black bear are both listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Rules and regulations have been imposed on the hunting of such animals; Offenders will be punished for their acts. In my own opinion, it is not solving the roots of the problem by imposing harsh laws to deter these inhumane crimes.
What’s the point of having laws enforced on the offenders when the bears are already slaughtered? Punishment does not revive the dead bears. Active efforts should be made to reduce the demand for the se bear parts. They can be achieved by education of the general public. Customs and cultures are the identity of the society. They are important, however, these are only rules made by humans. We should be changing them in order for society to advance.
As stated economically, there will only be supplies when there are demands. As such, the only way to preserve these bears’ life is through active deterrence and education. No living things should be deprived of their rights to survive due to another’s selfishness.