Get to know a hunter to learn real facts about bears

Re: Only a ban on all grizzly hunting can ensure slaughter ends, Opinion, Oct. 14

David Suzuki co-wrote an opinion piece using inapplicable facts to construct a misleading narrative about grizzly bears.

In the lower 48 states, grizzlies were nearly hunted to extinction and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. This didn’t occur in B.C., where grizzlies have maintained a strong and healthy population. Scientifically conducted studies estimate the population of grizzly bears in B.C. to be at least 15,000, of which a sustainable hunt of about 300 can be maintained.

The charisma of the grizzly bear results in a highly emotional debate around the issue of hunting. Bears have been hunted sustainably in B.C. for their meat, fat and hide for generations. To protect this resource, hunters are the largest financial contributors to conservation and habitat protection through funding environmental trusts and supporting scientific studies. Also, hunters are often the only ones advocating for animals that are less charismatic than the grizzly bear. Suzuki is clearly more “anti-hunting” than he is “pro-wildlife” because otherwise he would be siding with hunters in the fight to protect habitat and wildlife through science-based management, rather than appealing to emotion using facts from the U.S.

People should consider where their meat comes from. Whether meat comes from the grocery store or the forest, an animal must die. Hunting is a great way to add an organic, ethical and sustainable source of meat to one’s diet. Do your own research, get to know a hunter and ask questions rather than jump to conclusions. Alex Johnson, New Westminster