NOVA SCOTIA: After careful consideration of feedback from Nova Scotians, the province has decided there will be no spring bear hunt at this time.
Results of a public consultation clearly show Nova Scotians care deeply and are very divided on the idea of a spring bear hunt.
More than 17,000 Nova Scotians responded to a recent online survey. About 51 per cent were opposed, 47 per cent were supportive and two per cent were neutral.
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The Department also received 134 emails and letters from people and 10 letters from organizations.
Most of this feedback did not support a spring bear hunt.
The feedback will also be helpful for future decisions about bear hunting.
The Department is committed to maintaining a stable and healthy bear population living in their natural habitat without negatively affecting the ecosystem or creating safety problems in communities.
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Efforts to improve bear management include:
– working with Acadia University on a research project to improve knowledge about black bears in the province
– planning another public consultation this year on proposed regulations to manage inappropriate feeding of wildlife
– working on clarifying and addressing inconsistencies in wildlife regulations
– seeking feedback from stakeholders on improvements to hunting regulations
– looking at ways to help Nova Scotians better understand how hunting is managed.
Quick Facts:
– the public consultation on a proposed spring bear hunt ran from January 24 to February 24
– there are no changes to the annual fall bear hunt
– anyone who suspects illegal hunting activity should report it to the Department by calling 1-800-565-2224
