--- Scott Wood <wood@myblueheaven.com> wrote:

> Sure sounds like this guy was stupid, but stupid
> should not be against the law.  If he sustained
> cuts, bruises and a puncture wound to his leg, I 
> would say that he was punished for actions.
> 
> Criminal charges will just make him bitter at the
> park service and other land management agencies.
> Those injuries will teach him not to approach 
> wild animals that way and he would probably never do
> it again.

The problem is that the parks then get accused of
uneven enforcement. While I agree that the guy
probably (see the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona for
exceptions) has learned his lesson, where does the
line get drawn?

The parks have drawn the line at 25 yards. If they
make an exception for injuries, where do they issue
tickets? Do they ticket someone who escaped but
skinned a knee in a fall while running? How about if
he sprains an ankle? Breaks the ankle? The best
enforcement is consistent with regards for mitigating
circumstances left up to the ranger's discretion.


Eric
TD

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