Target: Thomas S. Mullikin, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Goal: Stop the rampant killing of black bears by hunters using dogs and bait.
South Carolina is witnessing an alarming increase in the killing of black bears, with hunters harvesting more than 2,200 bears since 2000, a shocking rise reflecting the state’s ongoing easing of hunting restrictions. The recent surge in bear killings, including an all-time high of 237 this year alone, indicates a stark and troubling shift in the status quo, endangering the already vulnerable population of this majestic creature. The state has expanded hunting areas and permitted the controversial use of tracking dogs and baiting, practices that seem designed to maximize the number of bears killed rather than ensure sustainable population levels.
Such practices contribute to a cruel trophy hunting culture that not only raises ethical concerns but also poses significant risks to the black bear population. Critics are particularly alarmed by the use of radio-collared dogs, which facilitate easier tracking, and the ongoing permissibility of baiting bears for a hunt. With approximately 2,000 bears estimated to live in South Carolina, a further increase in hunting could jeopardize this unique population, especially if female bears are being targeted. Notably, the Humane World for Animals has highlighted detrimental impacts of trophy hunting and has documented the unnecessary suffering inflicted on these animals, calling it a senseless pursuit driven by sport rather than necessity.
It is imperative for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to recognize the ethical concerns surrounding bear hunting and to take action to halt the current practices. The demand is clear: termination of the ongoing bear hunts and the implementation of strict regulations that protect not only the bears but also the integrity of South Carolina’s wildlife. The future of the black bear population—and the balance of its natural ecosystem—hangs in the balance and must not be sacrificed for sport.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Mullikin,
The recent upsurge in black bear hunting in South Carolina is deeply concerning, with reports indicating that hunters have killed more than 2,200 bears since 2000. This year, the devastating total of 237 bears killed marks an alarming trend, reflecting not only an increase in hunting practices but a troubling disregard for the welfare of these creatures. The state’s easing of restrictions on hunting methods, including the use of bait and tracking dogs, raises serious ethical questions about the management of this population and undermines efforts for sustainable wildlife protection.
The allowance of tracking dogs and baiting bears only serves to enhance the hunting experience at the expense of fairness and respect for wildlife. Frequently, the focus has shifted from responsible management and conservation to mere sport. Many hunters argue that these practices are traditional, yet it’s clear from the ongoing debates that the balance of our ecosystem is at risk, particularly if the bears that sustain the population, especially females, are taken indiscriminately.
In light of these disturbing practices, urgent action is required to protect South Carolina’s bear population from excessive hunting methods that threaten their survival. We call upon you to end the current bear hunting practices and establish regulations that ensure the safety and prosperity of South Carolina’s black bears for future generations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
