Wildlife advocates against Alberta's plan to allow bear baiting
A wildlife conservation group says it is against the Alberta government's plan to introduce bait as a method to hunt black bears, as well as a method to hunt cougars using dogs.
In mid-September, Alberta Environment and Parks released a directive it said would be incorporated into the regulations for provincial parks.
The document "provides clarity" on certain hunting practices, such as the use of dogs to hunt cougars and wild birds, as well as using bait to lure black bears and trap fur-bearing animals.
Hunters, which are authorized to hunt black bears, would only be allowed to use the bait in certain wildlife management units and must have it removed within two weeks of the end of hunting season.
The policy also lays out regulations regarding the use of hunting dogs in wildland parks and in Castle Mountain Provincial Park. Some of those policies include mandatory GPS tracking on the dog, ensuring it is caged or leashed when not hunting cougar and assurances the dog would return on command.
The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) says the idea of using food to hunt bears goes against everything Albertans have been taught about bear safety.
"Luring black bears with food is both unethical and unsafe," said Devon Earl, conservation specialist with the AWA. "This practice should be outlawed throughout the province and certainly should not be extended into protected areas."
The AWA says the issue with baiting is it can be unsafe for people, as it has the potential to habituate the bears to humans and human food.
Those rules are in place for all visitors to Alberta's parks and violations can carry heavy fines.
"Allowing hunters to bait black bears contradicts these safety measures. Bear baiting is also contrary to the concept of fair chase, making it unethical," the group said.
When it comes to using hunting dogs, the AWA says even well-trained dogs are prone to mistakes.
It suggests the dogs may chase and kill animals they are not supposed to be hunting, or species listed as threatened or endangered.
"Protected areas should be a refuge where these animals are safe, and this added threat of hunting dogs should not be introduced," the AWA said.
Earl says the directive was introduced under the UCP government's Bill 21 and the public was not adequately consulted before it came into effect.
"Albertans deserve a say in what happens to our parks and protected areas that are being held in trust for future generations to enjoy," she said.
In response to comments on the issue, the Alberta government told CTV News that both methods outlined in the directive are not new to the province.
"Black bear baiting has been permitted in northern wildland provincial parks for more than 20 years. The use of bait to trap fur-bearing animals and hunt black bears is regulated under the Wildlife Act and wildlife regulation," said Rob Williams, senior press secretary for Alberta Environment and Parks Minister Whitney Issik.
While there was no direct response about AWA's concerns over habituating bears to humans, Williams says baiting bears "decreases the chance of wounding an animal."
"Wildland provincial parks are specifically established to preserve and protect natural heritage and provide opportunities for backcountry recreation, including hunting. Recent changes to the Provincial Parks Act and Public Lands Act authorize the department to develop rules that are clear, easy to understand and responsive to emerging needs and issues."
The government says the new regulations balance opportunities for Alberta hunters with the long-term sustainability of healthy wildlife populations.
According to data, Alberta's black bear population is approximately 40,000, while it's estimated there are about 2,100 cougars here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Testifying in hush money trial, adult film actor Stormy Daniels describes first meeting Trump
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.