THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says, “The expansion of the Black Bear Hunt is something that a lot of Northerners have been calling for—so that we can reduce the danger presented by nuisance bears, protect the region’s moose population and give the North’s economy a boost”.
“This issue is becoming more important as time goes on,” adds Mauro. “The growth of the region’s bear population seems to be resulting in more frequent encounters and attacks by aggressive bears. I’m hoping that there’s a way that we can strike a balance that will bring about the expansion of the hunt, while addressing the concerns that many have about the orphaning of bear cubs. If this bill goes forward, I’m happy to work with others to help find that balance”.
Residents, municipalities and groups throughout the North have been expressing growing concern about the increase in nuisance bear activity and the dangers that presents.
Mauro announced that he will be introducing a Private Member’s Bill that, if passed, will significantly increase opportunities for hunting black bears.
The expansion of the hunt would:
- Reduce the likelihood that aggressive bear activity will result in physical harm or death to people in Ontario
- Help protect crops and livestock
- Protect Northern Ontario’s moose population by reducing the number of moose calves killed by bears
- Reduce the cannibalizing of bear cubs—which is one of the main sources of cub mortality
Related articles
