Spring Bear Hunt Helps Control Nuisance Bears in Manitoba

July 19,2004

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) the largest nonprofit, charitable conservation based organization in Ontario, recently reported that nuisance bear calls to the Ministry of Natural Resources have increased by almost five hundred per cent since the Harris government cancelled the spring bear hunt in 1999.

A recent scientific study published by bear biologists in Manitoba has conclusively demonstrated that the presence of a spring bear hunt is a valuable wildlife management tool that has helped to hold nuisance bears in check in Manitoba, where a spring bear hunt still exists. During the same four-year period when nuisance bears in Ontario were becoming a significant problem and posing an increasing threat to public safety, the Province of Manitoba experienced no increase in the number of calls about nuisance bears.

“The conclusions provided by these biologists offers further proof that the spring bear hunt is an important tool in reducing or maintaining problem bear incidents at tolerable levels and is biologically sustainable. The findings in this report supports the O.F.A.H. position that the cancellation of the spring hunt in Ontario, and the startling increase in the number of nuisance bears are directly related,” said Dr. Terry Quinney, O.F.A.H. Provincial Manager of Fish & Wildlife Services. “For years we have argued that the two issues are closely linked, but the Harris government refused to recognize the science around the issue and cancelled the hunt for reasons of political expediency.”

The O.F.A.H. is asking the Ontario government to review the Manitoba science immediately and tell the Ontario taxpayers the truth about the clear connection between no spring bear hunt and the rising nuisance bear problems and associated costs.