B.C. NDP Leader John Horgan took a brave step announcing that, if elected, his party would end the grizzly bear trophy hunt.
Ethical principles are badly needed to guide wildlife conservation in this province. Look up any guide outfitter’s site to see how upward of $15,000 guarantees that a hunter of any age, gender or fitness level can bag a grizzly “trophy.” With highly advanced weapons technology and predictable grizzly feeding patterns, this “sport” is rigged in favour of the hunter. This is not an ethical relationship with an animal that has intelligence, feeling, unique needs and that suffers pain just as we do.
We cannot take a step back. Now is the time for B.C. voters to speak up for grizzlies. These bears are moving as fast as they can to ranges where they can live in peace. They die by car, train and poachers. They struggle to adapt to climate change that alters their land-based food sources and fish stocks.
The one lethal challenge that can be immediately removed is to stop intentionally killing them twice a year. The challenge of our time is co-existence — all political candidates need to address the unethical practice of killing B.C. grizzlies.
Val Murray
Cordova Bay
