August 10. 2004
The recent announcement by the Provincial government of additional measures to address the massive increase in the number of nuisance bears is a mixed bag, according to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.).
“While we support the Minister’s intention to improve data collection, the provision for mandatory reporting by hunters and the issuance of second seals which provides for more hunting opportunities, the extension of the fall bear season in Northern Ontario misses the mark,” said Mike Reader, O.F.A.H. Executive Director. “By extending the season in Northern Ontario by two weeks, the Province is providing a small measure of assistance to tourist outfitters who were devastated by the cancellation of the spring bear hunt by the Harris government. Unfortunately, it will do little to mitigate the astounding increase in the number of nuisance bears over the past five years and the growing threat to public safety. The bulk of the bear related sightings and intrusions into populated areas occur in the spring and summer months, not late in the season. Without providing for some form of spring hunt, which removes nuisance bears from the population earlier in the year, the number of nuisance bears will continue to escalate, as will the problems they cause and the threat they pose to the safety of residents and cottagers.”
Recent scientific studies in Manitoba have clearly shown that a spring bear hunt is biologically sustainable and a valuable wildlife management tool that has helped to keep the number of nuisance bears in check. During a period when the number of calls about nuisance bears increased by almost five hundred per cent in Ontario, the Province of Manitoba experienced no change.
“The connection between the spring bear hunt and manageable bear numbers is clear, and is supported by science. The addition of two weeks to the fall season will have little, if any, impact on the number of bears we see during the time of year when most residents, and indeed tourists, are most at risk. Instead of providing for sustainable wildlife management practices, the Province continues to skirt around the issue. With more bears being shot as nuisances, what used to be considered a valuable game animal that was hunted under stringent controls is now considered vermin to be shot on sight. As the Manitoba study shows, this results in more, not less orphaning of bear cubs, something the cancellation of the spring hunt was supposed to prevent,” said Mr. Reader.
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Greg Farrant
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Ed Reid Wildlife Biologist (705) 748-6324 |
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