Connecticut: Don't Legalize Trophy Hunting of Black Bears!
- by: Julie S.
- recipient: Honorable Members of the Connecticut State Legislature
The Connecticut State Legislature is considering a proposal that would legalize trophy hunting of black bears in the state.
If passed, this bill would cause horrific suffering for bears. The bill does not prohibit bow hunting - a cruel method in which animals are not immediately killed, but often die slowly from blood loss or infection. Nor does the bill prohibit hound hunting - a method in which radio-collared hounds chase bears until they seek refuge, or attempt to fight. In hot weather, bears can die from heat exhaustion during the chase. They may also attempt to flee onto roadways, where vehicles may strike them. Hounds are often attacked brutally by bears, and suffer injuries and die as well.
Tragically, hunting female bears leaves orphaned cubs - who are likely to suffer and die as a result of starvation or predators. Mother bears care for their cubs for the first year and a half of life. Unfortunately, many abandoned cubs are only a few months old when their mothers are hunted down, and cannot yet care for themselves.
Furthermore, studies have not been able to show any evidence that hunting reduces human-bear conflict. In contrast, public education - for example, teaching people to clean up attractants such as strong smelling food and use bear-resistant trashcans - has proven effective. In fact, Yosemite Park reported a 92% decrease in human-bear conflicts after educational outreach measures had been implemented.
Please sign this petition urging the Connecticut State Legislature to reject Senate Bill 522, to prevent trophy hunting of black bears. Bears are a slow-to-reproduce species, and hunting may not only cause individual bears to suffer immensely, but may also cause a rapid decline in the population. Instead of defending the interests of a few trophy hunters, the state government should represent the interests of the vast majority of citizens by protecting our wildlife.
Dear Honorable Members of the Connecticut State Legislature,
I urge you to reject Senate Bill 522, which would legalize trophy hunting of black bears in the state of Connecticut.
If passed, this bill would cause horrific suffering for bears. The bill does not prohibit bow hunting- a cruel method in which animals are not immediately killed, but often die slowly from blood loss or infection. Nor does the bill prohibit hound hunting- a method in which radio-collared hounds chase bears until they seek refuge, or attempt to fight. In hot weather, bears can die from heat exhaustion during the chase. They may also attempt to flee onto roadways, where vehicles may strike them. Hounds are often attacked brutally by bears, and suffer injuries and die as well.
Tragically, hunting female bears leaves orphaned cubs – who are likely to suffer and die as a result of starvation, predators, or exposure. Mother bears care for their cubs for the first year and a half of life. Unfortunately, many abandoned cubs are only a few months old when their mothers are hunted down, and cannot yet care for themselves.
Furthermore, studies have not been able to show any evidence that hunting reduces human-bear conflict. In contrast, public education – for example, teaching people to clean up attractants such as strong smelling food and use bear-resistant trashcans - has proven effective. In fact, Yosemite Park reported a 92% decrease in human-bear conflicts after educational outreach measures had been implemented.
Bears are a slow-to-reproduce species, and hunting may not only cause individual bears to suffer immensely, but may also cause a rapid decline in the population. Instead of defending the interests of a few trophy hunters, the state government should represent the interests of the vast majority of citizens by protecting our wildlife.
Thank you for your consideration.
[your comments]
Sincerely,
[your name]
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