Please re-think allowing a…

Please re-think allowing a culling of the bear population, for any period of time. Specifically, five years is not a solution to the problem. Population encroachment, by allowing developers to expand into the habitat of many species has created the problem of bears scavenging close to municipalities, who have not properly addressed the issues of dealing with garbage in an efficient and environmentally safe way in rural areas. Police forces should work with Ministry of Natural Resources officers, in a way that can safely remove bears from municipalities, without resorting to immediately shooting bears.

Similarly, I live on Lake Scugog, so I understand the need to be aware of coyote and wolf populations that use the lake to hunt, at night. We walk our dogs in pairs, close to our fully lit property and watch the lake for activity, day and night.

I was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, so I also understand the hunting culture. There is a marked difference between northern and southern Ontario. Any hunting regulations should reflect these differences. As well, development of hunting regulations should not include a view to creating a revenue stream for the Ministry.

I fear for the cubs of female bears, as the mother may leave to hunt for food. These mothers would be presumed to be alone. Shooting them could leave the cubs to fend for itself and could starve or be the victims of predators.

Please place a moratorium on bear hunting, period.