Spring Bear Hunting - Sample Op-Ed #1

Spring Bear Hunting
Leaving cubs abandoned in the wake of a trophy hunt

When emerging from their winter dens, mother bears are not only hungry - not having eaten in months, with little food to be found yet - but most have at least a couple small cubs, completely dependant on her for survival, to care for. 

It is unfortunate that in [Your State] these mother bears find themselves in the crosshairs of trophy hunters each spring, turned into a bearskin rug to grace a trophy room, while her cubs are left to starve to death.

Only eight states allow this practice, likely relying on myths in order to perpetuate this cruelty, but the fact remains that where there is no spring bear hunting, very few cubs are orphaned, and when a mother bear is killed in the spring, the death of her cubs is certain.

Myth #1: It is easy to tell female bears from males.
Reality: While boars are larger than females when they mature, it is difficult for most to determine the sex of small or medium-sized bears. Many hunters have also never seen a live bear before, compounded by the fact that when up close, all bears look big.

Myth #2: “A lactating bear with two or more hungry cubs to feed has a chest on her that would put Dolly Parton to shame.”
Reality: Even when a bear is tranquilized and in hand, it is difficult for even trained biologists to determine whether a bear is lactating. Before Colorado cancelled its spring bear hunt, it was found that even though hunters were instructed to not kill females with cubs, a larger number of lactating females were killed than non-lactating females.

Myth #3: More male bears are killed than females in spring hunts.
Reality: Though male bears tend to emerge from their dens earlier than sows with cubs, female bears are active while spring hunting takes place. In some states, more female bears are killed than male bears during spring hunts.

Myth #4: Mother bears are always accompanied by their cubs.
Reality: Mother bears leave young cubs alone for long periods of time while they forage for food, often leaving them at the base of a tree or leaving them tucked away in the branches. Sows can leave their cubs for more than an hour and wander more than a mile in search of food before returning. 

Myth #5: Bear cubs can survive without their mother’s milk and protection.
Reality: All cubs orphaned during spring hunts die as a result of starvation or predation. A study conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources revealed that all cubs orphaned during the spring starved to death in 11 to 30 days.

Once all the myths about spring bear hunting are put to rest, it becomes clear that spring bear hunting is not only unnecessary from a wildlife management perspective, but it is irresponsible, inhumane and should be prohibited.

[Name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail]