RELEASE: Grizzlies sleep easier as Province announces total ban on hunting
VANCOUVER - December 18, 2017 -- On behalf of British Columbia’s grizzly bears, we congratulate the Province for listening to citizens, First Nations and other stakeholder groups and establishing a full hunting ban on grizzly bears.
Effective immediately, the announcement confirms that the consultation process indicated support for a full hunting ban, and as such the Province has revised the previous draft policies that permitted a grizzly bear meat hunt.
As an indicator species, grizzly bears are important to protect - the health of their population helps gauge how well other species and ecosystems are doing. Terminating the hunt eliminates one of the cumulative threats facing the species, and will allow us to focus on how to help the threatened populations in the province.
“Ending the hunting of grizzly bears was the easy part, and we’re very pleased that decision has finally be made,” said Rachel Forbes, Executive Director of Grizzly Bear Foundation. “We look forward to continuing work on the more challenging issues facing grizzly bear well being, from habitat to food supply to reducing human-grizzly conflict.”
That is not to say that the policy change will be entirely easy. It is clear the Conservation Officer Service will require additional support and resources to ensure effective enforcement of this ban and effective management of all wildlife.
“We’re excited that not only has the Province committed to ending hunting of grizzlies, they’ve also confirmed 2018 will include improving wildlife management, implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations, and enhancing bear viewing,” said Forbes. “This is a great opportunity for the public to get to know more about grizzlies, through bear viewing and other educational activities that help us understand grizzlies more, and move from a fear based approach to one of respect.”
We are grateful for the work of those groups and stakeholders who have tirelessly sought to protect all grizzly bears in our province.
We look forward to working with all levels of governments to improve their practices to better address the cumulative threats facing grizzly bear populations.
Media Contact
Rachel Forbes, Executive Director
Grizzly Bear Foundation
Ph: 604.871.4263 / 604.345.9129 mobile
Email: rforbes@grizzlybearfoundation.com
A copy of the Grizzly Bear Foundation's Board of Inquiry Report and other media materials can be found at: https://grizzlybearfoundation.com/pages/media-kit
About Grizzly Bear Foundation
Grizzly Bear Foundation is Canada’s only charity dedicated solely to the long term welfare of grizzly bears. We support the conservation of grizzlies through research and public education.
Twitter: @grizzlybearfdn
Instagram: @grizzlybearfdn
Facebook: Grizzly Bear Fdn
Website: grizzlybearfoundation.com
Photo by Jim Lawrence, Kootenay Reflections
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