Spring Bear Hunt - I…

Spring Bear Hunt - I respectfully ask that this hunt be permanently abolished. It is inhumane and the policy was based on erroneous information perpetuating myths about black bears. Policies should be based on sound scientific facts and not by lobby groups who have ulterior motives such as hunters. The season suggested (May 1 to June 15) falls directly during the time that female bears are foraging for their young cubs who are often deliberately hidden from danger up to a kilometre away. Imagine the cruel and deadly fate of the cubs if the mother gets shot by a hunter who wrongly claims that the bear is not a mother simply to justify their actions. As well, while I am not bear expert, I have done some reading about the subject and have noted that more protection of these female bears is required during the hunting season in the fall. This can be accomplished by hiring more conservation officers. I have also read that it is rare that bears prey on moose calves. Moreover, any conflicts with humans (and this goes for any wild predatory animals) originate with food and waste. If residents are mindful not to throw food waste out in the open, this reduces the chances of urbanizing wild animals. As well, baiting of bears should be forbidden - this is completely inhumane and causes lots of collateral damage. Should it be impossible to abolish this hunt, I ask that the time frame be deferred to a later month (June) to protect the cubs. And finally, I ask for greater transparency in releasing evidence of pilot projects involving the hunt .