After reading tonight's update, I feel confused. Of all the bears to be taken, I can't believe it was Hope. I also agree the hunter probably knew who she was, especially since bears have their "own" territories and this person knew where they were baiting.
Lily and her family have opened my eyes to bears and I've been amazed by their activities. I'm devastated over the loss of Hope, but wonder if "other" forces were at work here. She had such a hard start in life. I'm grateful she reunited with Lily and was such a devoted big sister to Faith & Jason. I just pray she did not suffer and that Lily & Faith did not witness her death. I know I'm applying human thoughts here, but can't stand the thought of her suffering or what they may have seen.
My confused feelings come over the baiting issue. I have been thinking how cowardly to bait and wait for these animals, but after reading the update tonight, I can see why it might be more humane if they do bait. Regardless, I don't personally believe in hunting, especially bears.
I really do feel for the researchers. They spent so many hours with her and touched her. All I got to do was watch her through the webcam and the posted videos. They understood her personality and got to see her in action. They must be feeling the "what-ifs" over this. Even if they had collared her, maybe that hunter would have taken the shot regardless. Maybe that hunter felt they had a nasty point they wanted to prove. Just like what happened to Sarah bear last year, the shooter saw the ribbons and took the shot anyway. And what they must be feeling about that hunter right now. It must be such an internal conflict.
So unfortunately, and as much as I hate saying this, maybe this eventual outcome was in the stars for Hope. Maybe there was nothing anyone could have done, except for the hunter, to prevent her death.
RIP Hope.