I am appalled and saddened at the death of a promising young man killed by a polar bear recently, but am at a loss to understand how it could be considered safe for young people, protected only by tents, to camp within polar bear territory when there were signs advising extreme caution.

It should be remembered that a polar bear is the most dangerous carnivore on the planet and those people invaded its territory, not the other way round.

I would sincerely hope that the authorities arranging such dangerous trips will think again before putting young lives at risk. The polar bear's habitat is constantly eroding and its food supplies dwindling. The loss of this bear, which, if a female, would undoubtedly have had cubs awaiting her return – and these will now starve to death as they stay with their mother for a long time before becoming independent – is tragic.

The loss of this young man and the horror the attack produced is regrettable, but I feel that they should not have been there in the first place.

Any parent would be wise to check thoroughly on trips, venues and any consequent hazards before agreeing to the young people undertaking such activities.

I do so wish that people would keep right away from wild animals of any sort and give them the freedom and security that is their God-given right, and stop causing them anxiety and fear, as any wild animal will react instinctively to any dangers, which is sadly what happened in Norway, resulting in the shocking death of a young man and the destruction of a magnificent beast, whose numbers are on the decline and which will, within a few years, become endangered.

Sadly, all of this unhappy and tragic incident need not have happened and it is hoped it will not happen again.

DAWN N ROBINSON

Mill Lane

Lower Writhlington