Proposed spring bear hunt in Nova Scotia scrapped after public consultation

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia has decided to shelve plans for a spring bear hunt after a public consultation revealed a “very divided” population.

A news release Wednesday from the province’s Natural Resources Department said about 51 per cent of the more than 17,000 Nova Scotians who responded to an online survey opposed the proposed hunt, while 47 per cent were in favour and two per cent were neutral.

Among the concerns cited by opponents were conservation of bears, safety issues and potential for conflict with other outdoor recreation activity. The department said many respondents were worried about the impact a spring bear hunt would have on bear cubs.

The consultation also received letters from 10 organizations, who were split along predictable lines. 

The Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Big Game Society and the Safari Club were in favour of the hunt. But the Ecology Action Centre, Nature Nova Scotia, Humane Society International Canada, Animal Alliance of Canada, Healthy Forest Coalition and the Municipality of Pictou County were opposed.

Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada with a black bear population that doesn’t have a spring hunt, the department said.

The hunt proposed in January by Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton would have lasted five weeks beginning in May, targeting only male bears and females with no cubs. It would have been open to Nova Scotia residents with a bear-hunting licence.

The province’s black bear population is estimated to be around 6,600, and the department said there will be no changes to the existing fall bear hunt.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2024.

The Canadian Press