Feb 14 2010
Letter to Fish and Game
California Fish and Game Commission
P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Dear California Fish and Game Commission:
Only recently did I learn my home state of California lists the Black Bear as a ‘game’ animal and permits killing of cubs as small as 50 pounds. I am horrified! Bears are shy, gentle animals that only come into contact with humans when they are looking for food or water or when people enter their territory. I have seen these magnificent creatures in the Sierras and in natural habitat close to Ojai. Usually the bears climb a tree and wait until people have left – mom sends her cubs up first.
Supposedly we are a ‘civilized’ society – it’s time Fish and Game decisions are made that demonstrate compassion and your mission “to ensure the long term sustainability of California’s fish and wildlife resources by” – “establishing appropriate fish and wildlife resource management rules and regulations” – “building active wildlife resource management partnerships with ….the public and interest groups…”
I strongly urge you to reject the proposed plan of California Department of Fish and Game to expand bear hunting. Do not permit bears to be hunted by dogs, especially those with electronic devices – nothing ’sporting’ about shooting a frightened animal that has climbed a tree to get away from the hounds. This kind of ‘hunting’ is cruel, inhumane and unethical. Bears hunted with bows and arrows result in many wounded animals. The best decision would be to protect this ‘gentle giant’ by completely banning hunting of bears.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Marjorie C. Emerson