Wolves and coyotes wrongly accused

Wolves and coyotes wrongly accused

Without a shred of supporting scientific evidence, the Government of Ontario is proposing to open up hunting of wolves and coyotes across the north.

The reason? To address declining moose populations. Yet scientists agree that this strategy doesn’t work. Even the government recognizes that “removing just a few wolves from each pack will not decrease overall predation on moose.” As for coyotes, they don’t consume moose in significant numbers to begin with.

If the government proceeds as it is planning, anyone with a small game hunting license in northern Ontario will be able to kill up to 2 ...

Without a shred of supporting scientific evidence, the Government of Ontario is proposing to open up hunting of wolves and coyotes across the north.

The reason? To address declining moose populations. Yet scientists agree that this strategy doesn’t work. Even the government recognizes that “removing just a few wolves from each pack will not decrease overall predation on moose.” As for coyotes, they don’t consume moose in significant numbers to begin with.

If the government proceeds as it is planning, anyone with a small game hunting license in northern Ontario will be able to kill up to 2 wolves per year. There will be no limit to the number of coyotes shot. Requirements for tags and reporting for both wolves and coyotes will be eliminated (a tag authorizes a hunter to hunt the species indicated on the tag and requires reporting back to the government).

The government’s proposal, however, is lacking in any scientific justification or evidence. You can read about the many reasons why this proposal should not go forward in our latest blog.

There are many uncertainties around the causes of recent moose declines, with climate change and parasites (brain worm, winter ticks) likely implicated. But one thing is clear, changes to hunting rules and practices since the 1980's are part of the problem.

Please join Ontario Nature in opposing the proposed changes to wolf and coyote hunting regulations in northern Ontario. Let the government know that Ontarians expect wildlife policy and management to be based on science.

The senseless slaughter of wolves and coyotes is unacceptable.

The deadline for comments is September 26, 2019. Be sure to reference ERO # 019-0406.

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Sign our letter to Minister Yakabuski and the MNRF

Please sign and, if possible, personalize the letter below to Minister Yakabuski and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Their decision will profoundly affect the fate of wolves and coyotes in northern Ontario.

The deadline for comments is September 26, 2019. Be sure to reference ERO # 019-0406.

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