I have additional comments…

I have additional comments to submit regarding this proposal, which I am against. Bear cubs will continue to be orphaned if the hunt becomes permanent. If a mother is killed, her cubs will most likely die slowly of starvation or be eaten by predators. Female bears are shot and killed during the spring bear hunt because hunters can't tell the difference from a male, or they just don't care. Bears have low reproduction rates, and the survival of adult female bears is vital for the species.

Also, hunting bears does not improve human safety. Stopping human-bear conflict is achieved by removing access to garbage, barbeques, and other attractants. This has been known for a very long time.

The government says there is a need to reduce black bear hunting in the Bruce Peninsula due to population decline, yet it is also proposing to allow the hunting of these bears in that region for one week each spring. This is irresponsible and should not be allowed.

The economic argument for allowing the spring bear hunt is unsubstantiated. The government has said the economic impact would be neutral or positive, but has given no supporting evidence to back this claim.