TORONTO – The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is urging the public to make sure “big city animal rights extremists” don’t derail the province’s spring bear hunt.
TV personality and animal rights activist Bob Barker tried yesterday to convince the Ontario government not to bring back the bear hunt, which was cancelled in 1999.
Barker called the hunt “barbaric” and said cubs are left to starve to death after their mothers are lured from the den by bait and then killed by hunters.
Ontario Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti disputes Barker’s claims and says he doesn’t know where the former host of T-V’s “The Price is Right” is getting his facts.
Ontario plans a pilot project with a limited hunt in eight of 95 wildlife areas this spring.
It’s hoped the hunt will reduce the number of emergency calls and instances where police are forced to shoot nuisance bears.
Orazietti says it’s a targeted approach to deal with a public safety issue, noting some kids can’t go out for recess because bears are in their playground.
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