09 June 2004

by Anai Rhoads

E-mail this article

AnaiRhoads.org - According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the black bear population has risen from near extinction to produce a modest 400 bears in Maryland.

Because of the current numbers estimated in the State, Gov. Ehrlich and the DNR have approved a bear hunt for later this year. The hunting event will go through despite weak research on the effect this will have on the bear population.

"Trying to solve bear conflicts through hunting is like trying to reduce crime by shooting into a crowded room," said Michael Markarian, President of The Fund for Animals. "Humane solutions are readily available to solve the minor conflicts caused by bears. Governor Ehrlich and the DNR should choose public safety over trophy hunting, and should call off the bear hunt before placing both bears and people in jeopardy."

An offer of $75,000 to call off the hunt by the Fund for Animals and the Humane Society of the United States to the Governor and the DNR was rejected. The funds would help pay for any damage caused to homes and farms by the animals, as well as serve to educate people.

"There has never been a single bear attack on a person in Maryland, yet each year in our state there are dozens of serious injuries and even some fatalities caused by hunting," said Markarian. "The threat to public safety is not coming from black bears, but rather the expansion of trophy hunting."

The hunt is expected to begin in October of this year.

©2004 AnaiRhoads.org Reproduction must be authorised in writing only, and altering the material and this copyright is prohibited and protected by international law.