A new survey shows that 84 percent of British Columbians disapprove of the trophy hunting of grizzly bears in the province. The poll, conducted by Research Co. and commissioned by Pacific Wild Alliance, shows a clear attitude against a possible reinstatement of the hunt after its cancellation in 2017.
The survey, conducted September 23 to 25 among 1,000 adults in British Columbia (and statistically weighted, click for more details), shows 70 percent of British Columbians oppose a reinstatement of the grizzly bear trophy hunt, and 77 percent think the government should enact legislation to ensure the ban on trophy hunting of grizzlies remains in place. Regionally, opposition to the return of a hunt was lowest in the Metro Vancouver area (66 percent) and highest on Vancouver Island (79 percent). Southern BC (75 percent), the Fraser Valley (74 percent) and Northern BC (70 percent) residents were also opposed.
Opposition to return of the trophy hunt
Additionally, a strong majority of British Columbians are opposed to hunting other species for sport, including wild cats (84 percent), black bears (83 percent) and wolves (81 percent).
The Fur-Bearers stood with many professional groups, non-government organizations, and individuals in 2017 to call for an end to the grizzly bear trophy hunt. Recently, we encouraged participation in a grizzly bear management framework consultation, and will continue to follow this issue.
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