‘The worst possible catch-22’: Fish and Wildlife struggles to combat bear rumors

A bear enjoying a dumpster feast earlier this year in Eden, Vermont. Photo by S. Chambers, courtesy of Vermont Fish and Wildlife.As bear-human incidents continue at record rates, the state Fish and Wildlife Department is encountering public misperception that is leading Vermonters to avoid reporting minor bear activity because they fear the bear will be killed.This often leads to “the worst possible catch-22 for the bears,” said Joshua Morse, public information officer for the depar