The Spring Bear Hunt should…

The Spring Bear Hunt should be cancelled. There is no way to ensure a mother with cubs will not be shot as she would tree her cubs before foraging, and these cubs would be left to die, unable to fend for themselves. On January 15, 1999, The Minister of Natural Resources the Honourable John Snobelen announced an end to the spring bear hunt. The Minister’s press release stated, “The government made the decision to move to end the spring bear hunt because it will not tolerate cubs being orphaned by hunters mistakenly shooting mother bears in the spring.” Bears are most vulnerable in the spring as they must recover from the effects of hibernation, why would we allow hunters to prey on them? While this may gain votes in a few ridings, it will surely lose votes in many others.

I have had the opportunity to study with the foremost expert on the North American black bear, Dr. Lynn Rogers, who also wrote the hunting regulations for Minnesota. Based on his expertise, the hunting season lasts for 6 weeks, in the fall only, and shooting bears in dens is prohibited. This allows for the population to reproduce, without inhumanely allowing cubs to die.

Rather than open the season on September 3rd, why not open it the Tuesday FOLLOWING Labour Day, so that hikers and campers will not be in danger as they enjoy the holiday weekend? In fact, in a province that uses the slogan "A place to grow" why are we not focussing on wildlife tourism as a way to boost the economy, rather than inviting non-resident sport hunters to our mutually owned public lands?

I urge Ontario's legislators to cancel the spring bear hunt. These beautiful and gentle animals deserve our respect and protection. Thank you.