Bill Description:
This bill would alter the current ban on black bear baiting to add an exemption.[teaserbreak]
It stipulates that the Department of Fish and Wildlife may issue a bait station permit that allows the holder to use a black bear bait station during a spring damage control hunt in order to protect livestock, domestic animals, private property, or public safety. An applicant must already hold necessary hunting licenses and tags.
Background:
Contrary to popular belief, baiting and then killing bears is not a useful tool in reducing bear-human conflicts. Humans can limit contact with bears by eliminating behavior that draws them in. A ban on baiting — whether intentional by hunters or unintentional with garbage — is one of the most sensible ways to ensure a safer distance.
Baiting by hunters damages forests by drawing too much wildlife to a single spot. It also teaches bears to take food from humans. Once they’re desensitized to people, the risk of future contact increases.
Read more on the issue here.
Take Action:
Washington residents, contact your state representative and urge him or her to oppose this legislation!
Read the full text and follow its progress here.