I am opposed to the…

I am opposed to the reinstatement of the spring bear hunt.
It is time for the government to change the way in which revenues are generated from hunting. I feel that sport hunting of large mammals in Ontario should be banned. Since the 1800's large predators have been extirpated through sport hunting, trapping, and urban development. No longer are there populations of Black bear, Eastern cougar, Lynx, Timber wolf, Fisher and Marten in central and southern Ontario, only remnant populations exist in norther portions of the province. The loss of these significant species has drastically altered the natural environment, negatively impacting native species of animals, birds and vegetation that once comprised central and southern Ontario.
The Black bear is one of the last large predators left in parts of Ontario. They play an important role in the diversity and health of the ecosystem. Their population should be protected not reduced. Stronger efforts should be made to educate the public in co-existing with Black bears to reduce bear/human conflicts. Having worked as a Conservation Officer in the past, I have had the opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat. They are entertaining and often gentle creatures living mostly on vegetation foraged from the forest and open areas. Without human interference they live in balance with nature.
Instead of licensing guides and hunters to kill these animals, the government should be considering the possible revenues generated by ecotourism. In BC. there is already a significant change in their approach to interacting with bears. Many ecotour companies hire guides to take customers into areas where bears are observed and photographed going about their daily activities. It is hugely popular. In many areas this practice is also beneficial for the indigenous economy and their cultural heritage, as bears played an important role in their history and beliefs.
With all of the added pressures of urbanization, habitat loss and road mortality, bear populations in Ontario will inevitably go the way of the lynx, and timber wolf. Hunting black bears is not a sustainable activity in the long term and results in often cruel outcomes. Young bears being left to survive on their own, often become nuisance bears, starve to death or are killed by other male bears in the absence of a mother to protect them.
The spring bear hunt is particularly devastating as this is a critical time for mother's with cubs who have endured winter hibernation to recover their health and teach their young early skills needed to survive. Young bears stay with their mothers for up to 2 years before becoming fully independent. Although hunting of females and cubs is not legal, how many hunters mistakenly kill female bears, either pregnant or raising cubs.
My hope is that the Ontario government will abolish the spring bear hunting practice as well as bear hunting altogether and look at other more sustainable and environmentally responsible ways to generate revenue from our natural environment. Its time to end this barbaric practice and be better stewards of the land.