Every spring, mother black bears in Colorado leave their dens with young cubs who depend on them completely. Since 1992, state law has kept those families safe. That year, about 70% of Colorado voters approved Amendment 10, which ended the spring bear hunt, banned shooting bears over piles of bait, and outlawed using packs of hunting dogs to chase bears into trees.

Those protections could now be in danger. Amendment 83, on the Colorado ballot this November, would write a right to hunt and trap into the state constitution. The measure protects "traditional methods" and names hunting and trapping as the "preferred means" of managing wildlife, according to its language as reported by Animal Wellness Action.

Opponents, including Animal Wellness Action, warn the amendment is aimed at undoing the 1992 bear protections. In August, while discussing Amendment 83, its lead backer Dan Gates told Cowboy State Daily that "CPW's hands are tied by that ballot initiative," referring to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Critics say the vague wording could open the door to court challenges, where a single judge might overturn a law Colorado voters passed by a wide margin.

When a nursing mother bear is killed in spring, her cubs are left orphaned and on their own. Colorado voters already decided, more than 30 years ago, that this should not happen. That choice deserves respect.

Colorado voters have the final say on Amendment 83, and ballots are due by Nov. 3. Voting is already underway.

Sign the petition to urge Colorado voters to reject Amendment 83 and keep mother bears and their cubs protected before time runs out on Nov. 3.