co-existence

Times Colonist Editorial: Bear Killings are a Moral Issue

by Barb Murray
July 27, 2015June 27, 2016

When he refused to kill two orphaned bear cubs, B.C. conservation officer Bryce Casavant put his career on the line. But he also sparked a needed debate about the morality of killing “problem” animals.

The incident that triggered this controversy occurred near Port Hardy three weeks ago, after the mother of the cubs was shot for raiding a freezer. Despite being ordered to destroy the eight-week-olds, Casavant took them to a local animal shelter for treatment.

For this act of human decency, Casavant was suspended. He remains at home while the Environment Ministry, where he works, conducts an assessment of his actions.

Trophy hunters decimate bears in BC Valley under “abysmal” policy. Abe Dougan only Bear Guide in the Upper Pitt!

by Barb Murray
January 15, 2015January 15, 2015

First in a series investigating B.C.’s trophy hunt. As public servants and their critics debate the justifications of the hunt, we start with a story of bears caught in the political crossfire. by Claire Hume Jan 15th, 2015 The Pitt… Read More »Trophy hunters decimate bears in BC Valley under “abysmal” policy. Abe Dougan only Bear Guide in the Upper Pitt!

Opinion: B.C. government wants grizzly bears dead

by Barb Murray
April 14, 2014

Province could buy out hunting tenures and create world’s largest reserve By Chris Genovali, Special to the Vancouver Sun April 14, 2014 http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Opinion+government+wants+grizzly+bears+dead/9737955/story.html We want these bears dead. This is the message the B.C. government’s “reallocation policy” sends to the… Read More »Opinion: B.C. government wants grizzly bears dead

B.C.’s expanded grizzly hunt underway as scientists duel over bear numbers

by Barb Murray
April 12, 2014April 16, 2014

BY GLENDA LUYMES, THE PROVINCE APRIL 12, 2014 http://www.theprovince.com/news/expanded+grizzly+hunt+underway+scientists+duel+over+bear+numbers/9733477/story.html B.C.’s controversial grizzly bear hunt has begun, despite concerns from some in the scientific community who say the government’s population estimates could be flawed. About 1,800 grizzly hunting tags are expected to… Read More »B.C.’s expanded grizzly hunt underway as scientists duel over bear numbers

Ontario’s politically convenient plan to revive spring bear hunt: Walkom

by Barb Murray
March 9, 2014March 9, 2014

Photo Dreamstime In 2012, the cash-strapped Liberal government cancelled its only substantive program for handling nuisance bears, something called trap and relocate, writes Thomas Walkom. — Photo Dreamstime
In 2012, the cash-strapped Liberal government cancelled its only substantive program for handling nuisance bears, something called trap and relocate, writes Thomas Walkom.

Thomas Walkom http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/03/07/ontarios_politically_convenient_plan_to_revive_the_spring_bear_hunt_walkom.html

National Affairs, Published on Fri Mar 07 2014

Pity the bears. It seems they’ll be collateral damage from Ontario’s political wars.

The issue is the spring bear hunt. Premier Kathleen Wynne is proposing to start up this dubious practice again for a two-year trial period

Tim Hudak’s Conservatives want the hunt reinstated, period. Andrea Horwath’s New Democrats walk a delicate line of deliberate obscurity.

But all three parties are running scared — fearful that any opposition to a renewal of the spring hunt could endanger their chances in key northern ridings.

Conversely, if they appear too eager to see bears killed, they might lose southern votes in an election that could come this spring.

There are up to 105,000 black bears in Ontario — virtually all of them in the north. For several weeks each fall, it is perfectly legal to shoot and kill them.

Until 1999, licensed hunters could also shoot and kill bears each spring. Mothers and cubs were supposed to be given a free pass. But in the thrill of the chase, such niceties weren’t always observed.

The preferred method of hunting a bear is to entice the animal into a kill zone by planting bait — and then blast away from the safety of a raised platform.

Not very sporting perhaps. But effective.

Fifteen years ago, to the surprise of the sporting lobby, Conservative premier Mike Harris cancelled the spring hunt.

CBC Article, Bear Trophy Hunt Opposed at B.C. Legislature Rally

by Barb Murray
February 16, 2014February 25, 2014

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bear-trophy-hunt-opposed-at-b-c-legislature-rally-1.2538895 – included is Video Clip of Vicky Husband on this issue. Bears Matter Note-205 letters were signed at Rally -well over 200 attended Rally in the wind and rain…well done! Dozens gathered at the B.C. legislature Saturday afternoon for a… Read More »CBC Article, Bear Trophy Hunt Opposed at B.C. Legislature Rally