State Rep. Karl Bohnak (R-Deerton) today denounced a federal proposal introduced by U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar that would ban bear baiting nationwide, calling it a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the unique needs of regions like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Thanedar’s legislation would prohibit bear baiting in all 50 states, including Michigan which is a state with a high bear population.

“The Upper Peninsula is home to a significant and growing black bear population, and bear baiting is a responsible and effective wildlife management tool that helps maintain a healthy balance,” said Bohnak. “Without it, we would see increased difficulty in controlling the population, leading to more conflicts with humans, including property damage and threats to public safety.

“We cannot treat the U.P. the same way we treat suburban towns or cities like downtown Detroit. Different regions face different challenges, and this bill fails to respect that reality.”