Stop the blood sport of bear hunting

Karen Lyons Kalmenson

Those who respect wildlife get tired of seeing smiling “hunters” posing with a weapon in one hand and holding up the head of a majestic bear with the other. In death, the bear shows more dignity than its cowardly killer.

Lynn Rogers, Ph.D., the leading black bear biologist in North America, concluded that black bears are extremely timid and pose little risk to anyone. Attacks by a black bear are so rare as to be almost nonexistent. A person is about 180 times more likely to be killed by a bee than a black bear and 160,000 times more likely to die in a traffic accident.

The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife agency propagates game species for its hunter constituents. It runs a blood “sport” killing business under the fraudulent cover of “conservation.”

Killing a black bear is a cowardly act. It’s killing for nothing more than sick kicks and “trophy” bragging rights.

Most bears are already starting hibernation and are defenseless. “Hunters” are even allowed to use bait.

Killing a black bear mom leaves her cubs to die of starvation. Don’t worry, the agency encourages “hunters” to shoot cubs, too. It’s an obscene and senseless act, and a reflection of the worst of human nature. If bears could shoot back, there wouldn’t be a hunter in the woods.

Please politely ask Gov. Chris Christie to cancel the bear hunt that begins Dec. 8. Email constituent.relations@gov.state.nj.us; write Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625; call (609) 292-6000; or fax (609) 292-5212.

SILVIE POMICTER

Voice Of The Animals

President/Humane Educator

Chinchilla, Pa.


WHOM TO CONTACT

Email: constituent.relations@gov.state.nj.us

Letter: Office of the Governor P.O. Box 001, Trenton, NJ 08625

Phone: (609) 292-6000

Fax: (609) 292-5212

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SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Governor Christie,

It has come to my attention that New Jersey is reportedly considering allowing bear hunts. Although this hunt would be inherently cruel based on the premise alone, it is important to recognize it is based on erroneous information.

Please allow me to illustrate a few of these concerns. First, ecologically, populations will fluctuate according to conditions and naturally-occurring food sources; it is the interference of humans that causes imbalance. To blame and slaughter the bears for human encroachment and greed is both irresponsible and unjustified.

Second, killing bears artificially increases food supplies to the remaining bears, the consequence of which is increased reproduction and an ensuing greater bear population. In fact, studies have demonstrated that the continual cycle of seasonal hunting is responsible for a rebound, or larger populations, in subsequent years.

Third, there is no conservation efforts in place here, only the intentional propagation of bears for sport hunter constituents, a decidedly low percentage of voters. This is blood-shed, disguised as necessary control, when you can instead examine alternative, non-lethal options according to established protocols, which, when using these methods appropriately, have all proven successful in curtailing populations. However, if the state did not intentionally and artificially raise populations, such control would be unnecessary.

Fourth, cruelty abounds and is considered appropriate in these hunts, leaving bear cub orphans, of whom hunters are instructed to kill, and baiting tactics, a cowardly response for desperate hunters.

Fifth, this type of mass killing using such a brutal type of slaughter in such a central and visible location would certainly adversely affect both visitation and tourism; it would be financially detrimental to continue with such a cruel and unnecessary killing, and although I do not currently reside in New Jersey, I would be unwilling to consider it as a potential vacation destination if this bear hunt continues.

I know your time is limited and I want to thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

NAME

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spirit of the bear

i am the spirit of the bear
and i am in such prolonged,
deep pain
some humans out there
think we bears are here
for hunting or
to entertain
to dance in the circus
to be baited and tormented
or our parts used for medicine
by those humans, demented
we belong to the forests,
to the mountains and streams
this is supposed to be our reality
not just in our dreams.

Karen Lyons Kalmenson