Sobering bear facts

“Beyond Winnie” [February-March 2017] by Mike Commito and Ben Bradley is a great story about Winnie and other bears that we historically kept in captivity. However, our relationship with bears has changed for the worse. Canadians are illinformed of the national slaughter of bears. Bears are denigrated as a nuisance and are routinely shot on sight.

Worse is the spring bear hunt — abominable trophy killing that caters mostly to Americans and is legal in all provinces except Nova Scotia [and Prince Edward Island, which has no black bears]. It’s not really a hunt, since there is no “fair chase.” They are lured with bait and shot from stands. The most infamous trophy hunters today are the sons of U.S. President Donald Trump, Eric and Donald Jr., who travel worldwide to shoot game animals. It’s time to end this national disgrace. Respect Ursus canadensis!

Paul Filteau Thunder Bay, Ontario