Op-Ed: The inhumanity of baiting bears in Vermont

April 14, 2026  |  By Dennis Hill

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 beings.

Baiting bears undermines their natural instincts and survival skills. It turns a magnificent creature, struggling to find food and navigate a challenging environment, into a target for human amusement. 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, we are already facing challenges with human-bear interactions in Vermont. As human populations encroach on bear habitats, the need for coexistence becomes more critical than ever. Baiting bears only exacerbates this issue, luring them into human spaces and increasing the likelihood of conflict. By enticing bears with food, we not only put their lives at risk but also create dangerous situations for our communities.

The notion that an animal should be killed simply because it is drawn to food is deeply troubling. No animal deserves to be treated as a mere target, especially when it is simply trying to survive in a world that increasingly threatens its existence. Our wildlife is not a resource to be exploited but a vital part of our ecosystem that deserves protection and respect.

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 instead focus on fostering a culture of coexistence that honors the lives of our wildlife.

Let us advocate for policies that promote humane interactions with animals and prioritize their welfare. It is our responsibility to ensure that all creatures, including bears, can thrive without the threat of being lured into a trap for the sake of human pleasure.

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.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board is considering updates to state bear hunting regulations, including a request to allow the use of bait. 

Dennis Hill lives in Middlesex.

Dennis Hill lives in Middlesex.