As a naturalist, photographer, and hunter of Nova Scotia Black Bears from April to November for decades, I support a Spring bear hunt as a measure for sound management, safer communities and a source of quality food in an age of food insecurity.

 It is illegal to shoot female (Sow) bears with cubs and I can attest that in the spring, as is the case in the fall, cubs are in close proximity to their mother leaving the chances of accidentally shooting a sow at little greater odds than winning a lottery.

At the same time bear populations are at record levels due to increased food supplies created by fruit and berry plant growth increases in areas of high wood harvest  in the province. Along with the introduction of green bins contributing to the rise. Warmer winter temperatures have resulted in higher fat retention levels resulting in improved survival rates in the early crucial post hibernation period further elevating populations.

Please complete this survey https://novascotia.ca/spring-bear-hunt-engagement/ and sign this petition to encourage the government to continue with their attempt to implement another tool for the sound management of the black bear population.