In response to the proposal …

In response to the proposal “to implement a regular spring black bear season, shorten the Bruce Peninsula black bear hunting season”, we wish to make the following comments for your consideration and immediate action.

Scientific studies by Parks Canada and Dr. Martyn Obbard (formerly with MNRF) indicate that the black bear population on the Bruce Peninsula is in decline, with only 100 to 316 bears remaining. The black bears on the Bruce Peninsula are in danger of extinction within the next fifty years. These studies also show that the Bruce Peninsula black bears are an isolated population, genetically different from other Ontario black bears and are the only black bears in North America that use crevices for denning. The black bear population is at considerable risk due to its “isolation and a high rate of human-caused mortality”. [Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry]

This small and isolated population of black bears should be fully protected by a complete ban on bear hunting on the Bruce Peninsula.

Please take all necessary steps to ensure a complete ban of bear hunting on the Bruce Peninsula.