Gonzales Poll Reveals Maryland Voters Oppose Bear Hunt

Photo: Up Close Picture of a Black Bear staring into the camera

Black Bear Task Force Frequently Asked Questions Legislative History Links and Resources Multimedia Natural History Recent News July 24 Rally for the Bears Would you like to receive the latest campaign news or learn about an event near you? your email address: » Tell Governor Ehrlich and Secretary Franks to Oppose Bear Hunting		About Maryland Bears Gonzales Poll Reveals Maryland Voters Oppose Bear Hunt Opposition to First Bear Hunt in Half Century Cuts Across Parties and Regions ANNAPOLIS, Md. (August 16, 2004) - Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies, based in Annapolis, has completed a survey of Maryland voters revealing strong opposition to the state's first bear hunt in more than 50 years, scheduled to begin this October. Voters in all political parties as well as voters in diverse geographical regions-including western Maryland where a majority of bears are present-oppose the hunting of bears, prefer non-lethal methods to address bear conflicts, and would be less likely to vote for a politician who supports bear hunting. The survey of 847 registered Maryland voters, conducted from August 10th to 15th, 2004, revealed the following: Statewide, 35% say they favor the bear hunt, while 57% oppose it. Democrats oppose the hunt 63% to 29% and Republicans oppose the hunt 48% to 47%. In western Maryland, 47% support the bear hunt, while 49% oppose it. An overwhelming 73% of Marylanders would prefer that state officials address bear conflicts using non-lethal measures such as public education, trash management, and rubber pellets and loud noises to frighten bears away, rather than hunting. In western Maryland, 55% prefer non-lethal methods, while only 36% prefer hunting. When told that two animal protection groups have offered the state $75,000 to reimburse farmers for any losses caused by bears and to augment educational programs to resolve bear conflicts, 59% of Maryland voters say the state should accept the money and cancel the bear hunt, while only 26% say the offer should be rejected. Three times as many voters say they will penalize political candidates who support allowing the hunting and killing of black bears. In all regions and political parties, voters are less likely to vote for a politician who supports bear hunting. "This independent survey confirms what we have long known: Maryland voters want the half-century tradition of bear protection to be retained, not repealed," said Michael Markarian, President of The Fund for Animals. "Governor Ehrlich and all state officials now know that the voters will hold them responsible if they allow our bears to be hunted for trophies and bearskin rugs this October." The Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals have offered the state $75,000 to solve bear problems if the hunt is called off. Said Wayne Pacelle, President of The HSUS, "Bear conflicts are easily solved, and constructive solutions have been put on the table. It's fiscally irresponsible for Governor Ehrlich and our cash-strapped agencies to reject this offer, and it demonstrates that the bear hunt is nothing more than political payback to the NRA and other trophy hunting groups." The full 13-page report including survey questions and results is available online at www.marylandbears.com/docuploads/gonzalesbearsurvey.pdf. For more information on Maryland's bear hunt, please visit www.MarylandBears.com.