Killing hibernating bears was done as a matter of common practice by my ancestors just two generations back. It was an easy and cheap method of keeping the bear population to a minimum in close proximity to their farms and of putting food on the table. Pelts were sold for cash in the spring.

Nowadays, they put food on the table by guiding rich "sports" in bear hunting. I am torn by this practice. I realize the need to cull the bears but most of them are shot as trophies and the meat and hide are not "used". I find it sad, but I understand why they do it. I do NOT understand why the rich sports do it.

Anyway... I ate a squirrel once which might be similar to a mouse as it's rat with a bushy tail... I would rather starve.