Christmas has come early for British Columbia’s grizzly bears: the government has announced an end to the hunt of the species across the province!
A joint statement by Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRO) Doug Donaldson and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman was issued today (December 18) outlining the decision, buoyed by a clear message from residents.
“Through consultations this past fall, we have listened to what British Columbians have to say on this issue and it is abundantly clear that the grizzly hunt is not in line with their values,” Donaldson said in the statement.
“Our government is committed to improving wildlife management in B.C., and today’s announcement, along with a focused grizzly bear management plan, are the first steps in protecting one of our most iconic species,” Heyman said. “We also want to promote the healthy grizzly bear viewing economy in B.C. and give everyone the tremendous opportunity to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.”
The Fur-Bearers are ecstatic with this news, and look forward to working with both ministries to ensure that management decisions are made in line with both current science and the clear messages of taxpayers across the province. It is exciting to see the government make a public commitment to helping communities grow with non-consumptive, ethical ecotourism businesses like wildlife viewing.
We’d also like to thank our partners at various non-profit organizations across the province for their hard work, and the leadership of First Nations communities on standing up for grizzly bears.
Please take a moment to contact your MLA (find them here) or the Ministers’ offices (FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca and ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca) to thank them for taking this positive step forward to make British Columbia beautiful for all who inhabit it, grizzly bears included.
