An unknown number of dependent cubs also died after their mothers were killed by trophy hunters.
More than 1 million bears (1,014,773) were legally trophy hunted in the US between 2000 and 2024, according to recently collected data A humane world for animals show.
An unknown number of dependent cubs also died after their mothers were killed by trophy hunters.
The organization formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States said in its report that black bears Not only are trophy hunters killing record numbers of bears in the US, but Americans are also traveling to Canada kill more black bears and bring your trophies home.
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In just the last 25 years, 1.2 million bears have died due to trophy hunting in the United States and the importation of bears taken from Canada.
Wisconsin had the highest number of trophy bears harvested, with 92,112 bears harvested from trophy hunts. Pennsylvania ranks second with 83,914 bears, and Maine is third with 81,489 bears.
“Data shows that trophy hunters needlessly killed more than 1 million black bears in just 25 years,” said Wendy Keafover, senior director of wildlife advocacy at Humane World for Animals.
“Government officials often try to justify this cruelty as a public safety measure. But data shows that while bear hunting has increased across the country, the already rare frequency of bear attacks has not decreased. In other words, killing more bears does not make people safer. Instead of addressing the root causes of human-bear conflicts – such as bird feeders, chicken coops, trash and others attractive food products, states continue to expand black bear hunting and perpetuate massive and unnecessary slaughter.”
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The report added that trophy hunters sometimes hunt bears in the spring, when the bears are weakened from months of hibernation and mothers are caring for their newborn cubs.
Some hunters lure bears with piles of junk food to entice them. Another cruel practice is called “bullying.” the dangerous release of a pack of hounds to chase bears, often causing harm to non-target wildlife in the process.
The organization's report says the number of hunters in the United States has declined over the past two decades while bear hunting has increased.
“34,000 bears were killed in 2000, compared to 51,000 bears killed in 2023, the deadliest year for bears between 2000 and 2024.”
The report said black bears are the top trophy mammal imported into the country, with about 6,000 bear trophies imported each year, 13 times more than the next largest imported species, chacma baboons.
“The relentless killing of black bears in North America, resulting in the death of 1.2 million bears, must pierce our collective conscience. The next 25 years for black bears must better align with American values, and governments must take action to stop the ongoing cycle of unnecessary suffering and loss,” Keefauver added.
