Bear that wrestled Will Ferrell in 'Semi-Pro' kills trainer

It is really sad this has happened. They should retire the bear instead of doing something drastic like the article said: "trained animals that turn on their handlers are often destroyed."

It isn't the bears fault humans thought they could train him and failed. Bears are not trainable, at least not to the point that takes away all risks. They are not social pack animals like dogs. They are solitary creatures and while they are intelligent and might be accommodating for a time they are naturally not going to be perfect and safe as a trained animal. The bear was not friends with the humans or any other human concept. He is just acting like a bear and shouldn't be punished for it. Retire him to a protected habitat area. I am sure his handler knew the risks and wouldn't want the bear punished for being a bear, despite the tragic outcome.

well said.

Chances are it was an accident or the bear was ill. If was really aggressive, I don't think pepper spray would have done much to stop an adult male of that size and age.
I, too don't think this bear should be killed (let's call euthanasia what it really is). People working with wild animals know they are working with potential danger at all times and have to deal with that risk.

Meant to say it was only one bite-not a prolonged attack-that's why I think it was more of an accident. If he really meant it he could have ripped the man's head off easily. That is a huge bear-easily 3 times the size of the man and immensely more powerful.

I hope this doesn't hurt the DVD sales for Semi-Pro. Will Ferrell needs the money to make Semi-Pro 2: How To Dupe America Into Thinking Anything I Do Is Funny.

Do not harm the bear!

Very sad event indeed....

But, the sarcastic side of me thinks...

Steven Colbert would find this really funny.

The bear was being a bear. Its the risk one assumes if he works with wild animals. Set him free. Pray for the family of the man.

Bears can be a real pain in the neck...

I know it's apples and oranges and readers commenting, but it's startling to compare peoples' reaction to this and the woman who drowned her baby. Save the bear, kill the mother. Imagine the NRA's stance!

I chuckled at "the bear must have been sick." Yeah, mentally impaired in that it hasn't been acting like a real bear for awhile. Unfortunately this was an occupational hazard.

Just retire the bear from acting, I'm sure a zoo will take him in.

Yeah the bear did exactly what he was put here to do so of course he must be slain.

Webster wrote:

Do not harm the bear!

It is all Will Ferrell's fault.

Based upon my experience with animals, including bears, this sounds like an accident all the way around. It is extremely tragic for the trainer, yet I would bet if he had a say in the bears fate, he would not want it destroyed. He died doing what he loved, knew the risk involved and understood in his last moments that something had gone tragically wrong, but it wasnt an attack from the bear...more than likely roughhousing or playing gone horribly wrong..been there myself...

huh wrote:

The bear was being a bear. Its the risk one assumes if he works with wild animals. Set him free. Pray for the family of the man.

Cannot be set free...raised by humans, no fear of people...not an option.

As Denise Richards noted there is probably a reason this bear attacked. Remember this is not the trainer that raised him. his reaction could have been caused by something that spooked him. I hate the movie industry for using wild animals. Put Rocky somewhere like a zoo. or sanctuary to live out his life. He did not ask to live this way. But we keep worse alive in prison! What' wrong with our society when the easy way out is to kill an animal that is only doing what it knows? My condolences to the family of the victim. But he chose to work with wild and knew the dangers in doing so!

Clearly a hate crime.

Pal wrote:

Chances are it was an accident or the bear was ill. If was really aggressive, I don't think pepper spray would have done much to stop an adult male of that size and age.
I, too don't think this bear should be killed (let's call euthanasia what it really is). People working with wild animals know they are working with potential danger at all times and have to deal with that risk.

Pepper spray may have enhanced the flavor for the bear's meal but that is about it

Fox wrote:

I hope this doesn't hurt the DVD sales for Semi-Pro. Will Ferrell needs the money to make Semi-Pro 2: How To Dupe America Into Thinking Anything I Do Is Funny.

I agree with you. I don't think his movies are funny at all.

But I did enjoy the Semi-Pro Bud Light commercials. "Bud Light... suck one!"

Druid wrote:

<quoted text>Cannot be set free...raised by humans, no fear of people...not an option.

At least we killed all the Druids...well, except for one pest.