Nova Scotia has decided to shelve plans for a spring bear hunt after a public consultation revealed a "very divided" population. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Victor R. Caivano
Halifax, Nova Scotia, has decided to abandon its plans for a spring bear hunt following a public consultation that revealed a significant divide among residents. In a news release on Wednesday, the province's Natural Resources Department announced that out of over 17,000 Nova Scotians who participated in an online survey, approximately 51% opposed the proposed hunt, while 47% supported it, and 2% remained neutral.
Opponents of the spring bear hunt expressed concerns about bear conservation, safety issues, and potential conflicts with other outdoor recreational activities. Many respondents were particularly worried about the impact of the hunt on bear cubs.
During the consultation, the department also received letters from ten organizations, reflecting divided opinions. Pro-hunting groups such as the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Big Game Society, and the Safari Club voiced their support for the hunt. On the other hand, organizations like the Ecology Action Centre, Nature Nova Scotia, Humane Society International Canada, Animal Alliance of Canada, Healthy Forest Coalition, and the Municipality of Pictou County were opposed to it.
The Natural Resources Department highlighted that Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada with a black bear population that does not have a spring hunt. The proposed spring hunt, announced in January by Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton, would have lasted five weeks starting in May and would have targeted only male bears and females without cubs. It would have been open to Nova Scotia residents holding a bear-hunting license.
The province's black bear population is estimated to be around 6,600, and the department stated that there would be no changes to the existing fall bear hunt.
In summary, Halifax, Nova Scotia, has decided to shelve plans for a spring bear hunt due to a divided public opinion revealed through a consultation process. Concerns raised by opponents include bear conservation, safety, and potential impacts on bear cubs. Despite the proposal, the province remains unique in not having a spring bear hunt among Canadian provinces with a black bear population.
