I am very much opposed to…

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019-1112

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I am very much opposed to the implementation of a spring black bear hunt. I worked in wildlife rehab for many years, and saw firsthand the effects of hunting on bear populations, particularly orphaned cubs whose mothers had been shot. The cubs were left to starve to death or be preyed upon by predators.
In my experience, a hunt will not solve any problems of human/bear conflicts. The only way to mitigate these problems is to educate humans to not leave bear attractants...garbage etc out on their property. Hefty fines for doing so have been effective in many jurisdictions.
I believe that in many areas, population dynamics are misunderstood, and a hunt could negatively effect the stability and health of these populations.
One thing that particularly disturbs me is the cruelty of baiting spring bears just out of hibernation when they are hungry and vulnerable. This is simply unethical, and should NEVER be allowed, in my opinion.
I sincerely hope that you will reconsider allowing this hunt.