The BC Wildlife Federation is aghast at statements being made in a new campaign to ban cougar, lynx and bobcat hunting. While sensationalizing legal hunts may yield headlines, it does a disservice to conservationists who understand predator-prey relationships and undermines the science-based management of wildlife. Like any other wildlife species, cougars and other wild-cats need to be managed using scientific information. In many circumstances, hunting is an appropriate means of managing predator numbers and ensuring a balanced predator-prey relationship.
The BCWF supports the present hunting and trapping regulations related to wild-cats as developed by the province’s wildlife biologists. Hunting and trapping of these species are highly regulated with designated seasons and bag limits. Under their conservation status, these wild-cats are ranked as secure and not at risk of extinction.
You can take action today and let your MLA, Premier Horgan and Mr. Donaldson – Minister of FLNRORD know you support the hunting and trapping regulations as set out in the Hunting and Trapping Regulation Synopsis, and in particular, you support the hunting of cougars, lynx and bobcats.
Read our full response and Take Action here!