I am strongly opposed to the…

I am strongly opposed to the proposal to make a permanent hunt for black bears during the spring when female bears are with young.

The spring bear hunt was last cancelled in 1999 because it was found to be unethical. Since it was reinstated in 2014 under the false claim that it would reduce human/bear conflicts, it has proven to NOT reduce any conflict.

Instead people involved in bear rescues have seen spikes in the number of orphaned cubs who died from starvation, exposure or predation because their mother has been killed.

Spring bear hunts are illegal in all or most states for exactly these reasons.

I urge you to reconsider this proposal. Thank you.