Dear Editor,
As Vermont debates whether to allow the baiting of bears for hunting, we must take a moment to reflect on the ethical implications of such practices. The very idea of luring a bear into a vulnerable situation with stale Froot Loops and candy is not only shameful but also a stark reminder of our moral responsibility toward these sentient creatures.
In February 2026, the Vermont Bowhunters Association petitioned the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, asking for the practice of bear baiting to be allowed for hunting. For those unfamiliar with the practice, it involves using a barrel or hollow log as a receptacle for a variety of human foods — such as expired candy, cereal, granola, syrups and other high-calorie foods — which can be refilled daily.
Baiting bears undermines their instincts and survival skills. It turns a magnificent creature, struggling to find food and navigate a challenging environment, into a target. This practice reduces the hunt to a mere game, stripping away the dignity and respect that wildlife deserves. It’s a cruel exploitation of an animal’s instinct to forage, and it reflects a profound disconnect between humans and the natural world.
Moreover, Vermont already has problems with interactions between humans and bears. As human populations encroach on bear habitats, the need for coexistence becomes more critical than ever. Baiting bears exacerbates this issue, luring them into human spaces and increasing the likelihood of conflict. It puts their lives at risk and creates dangerous situations for our communities.
It is time for Vermont to take a stand. Allowing the baiting of bears sends a message that we value entertainment over empathy, convenience over conservation. We must reject this practice and foster a culture of coexistence that honors our wildlife.
In the end, our humanity is reflected in how we treat those who cannot speak for themselves. Vermont has the opportunity to lead by example and show that compassion for wildlife is not just an ideal, but a necessity. Let us choose empathy over exploitation, and create a future where all animals can live freely and without fear.
Dennis Hill
Middlesex, Vt.
