May 28, 2021 at 12:09 pm Updated May 28, 2021 at 12:10 pm  

https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/animal-rights-rethink-spring-black-bear-hunts/

By Letters editorThe Seattle Times

Re:“Orphaned bear cubs raised in Lynnwood get freedom, ‘a second shot at life’ ”[May 17, Environment]:

The successful rescue of two black bear cubs made for a wonderful story. But how many cubs orphaned by hunters during the ongoing spring black bear special permit hunting season will share the same reprieve?

Every spring, black bears emerge from their dens looking for food to nourish themselves and their newborn cubs. If a mother bear is killed during this hunt, her cubs are orphaned and do not survive. Why does Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife allow a hunt during such a vulnerable time?

Wildlife officials claim it is to manage timber damage. In truth the spring hunts solely provide more opportunity for hunters to kill bears at a time when…