For several weeks in the summer of 2025, Manitoba was under a state of emergency order. There were at least 21 forest fires burning across the province, including several deemed to be out of control. Over 22,000 residents were evacuated, and travelers were asked to reconsider non-essential travel to free up hotel rooms for evacuees. Yet, foreign and domestic trophy hunters were allowed into the province to shoot black bears – bears struggling to survive the fires.
Orphaned Black Bear Cubs
Black bears are the only large mammals allowed to be hunted in the spring while cubs are reliant on their mothers for food and protection. Mother bears often hide their cubs in trees before foraging. Their fur is too thick to be able to see if they are lactating, even bear biologists with scopes cannot reliably identify the sex of a bear. As a result, every spring female bears are killed, leaving orphaned cubs. The majority of these cubs will die by starvation, dehydration or predation.
A newly released report was commissioned by our charitable arm, the Animal Alliance of Canada Fund. The report shows that the number of these cubs is far higher than the province admits. According to the Manitoba government’s most recent data, in 2023 as many as 224 cubs were left orphaned by the spring bear hunt.
Wildfires & Black Bears
This year, a bear’s regular challenge is compounded by the devastating forest fires. These rampant fires often result in habitat loss, altered food availability, and increased potential encounters with humans as the bears are forced to move into new territories. In addition, smoke inhalation makes the bears even more vulnerable to predation by hunters.
How You Can Help
Please join us in urging the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew and Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister, Ian Bushie to bring an end to the spring bear hunt. You can use the form letter below or use your own words by sending an email to the addresses below.
Premier Kinew: premier@manitoba.ca
Minister Bushie: minnrif@manitoba.ca
Thank you very much for taking the time to advocate for the protection and safety of the bears. We are incredibly grateful for your advocacy.