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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.