Northern Ontario Spring Bear Hunt

The absence of a spring bear hunt in

Northern Ontario has created a severe

public safety risk, with five bear attacks

being reported across the province this

year. Before its cancellation, the spring

bear hunt also generated over $40 million

per year in economic activity and

sustained a number of jobs in northern

Ontario, jobs that have since flowed to

the neighbouring provinces of Manitoba and

Quebec which continued to have hunts.

Many years ago when I worked in a Power

Station located in Northern Ontario we had

a problem with bears and garbage.Bears

will eat anything alive or dead that

walks,flies or swims.The wooden garbage

ninbin was no match for these powerful

animals. Since very young children played

outside we had no alternative but to shoot

them. After 3 were shot,others did not

come back. They learn fast. 

 "The OFAH has been unwavering in its

position that the spring bear hunt is a

valuable wildlife management tool that

enhances public safety and controls the

bear population at optimum levels.

 The proposed program would take place

from May 1 to June 15 where high levels of

problem bear activity have been reported.

The hunt would be open to Ontario

residents only, will not allow the hunting

of cubs or female bears with cubs and

would require municipalities in those

areas to opt-in to the program. The

proposal will be subject to public

comments on Ontario's Environmental

Registry.