I would like to comment on…

I would like to comment on the proposed changes to the black bear hunting regulations.

Specifically, I am against the proposal to implement a regular spring black bear season. I do not think this proposal will reduce human-bear conflicts.

I am disappointed that the Ontario Government hasn't released any studies citing this change will reduce human-bear conflicts, despite the fact that in 2014 a pilot study was started to assess this very question. Surely the results of this study would be relevant to these proposed changes.

Many participants of bear hunting are non-residents who hunt by baiting bears, and are often unable to distinguish between males and females. Nursing mothers have been and will continue to be killed, leaving orphaned cubs behind. Without parental support these orphaned cubs then have the potential to engage with humans. Additionally baiting bears conditions bears to human garbage and scent thereby reducing their natural fear of humans.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my concerns.