Ontario launches spring bear hunt 'pilot program'

The Ontario government says it will once again allow the hunting of bears this spring.

The province cancelled the spring bear hunt amid much controversy in 1999. But today, Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti saida limited hunt will be tried out for the next two springs.

The huntwill only be in certain parts of the North mostly around major cities such as Timmins, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay.

The MNR said the hunt will also only be open to Ontario residents. The hunting of cubs as well asfemale bears with cubs is prohibited.

A news release also saystown and city councils will have to pass resolutions to open the door to bear hunting within their municipal borders.