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RANKIN INLET - Kivalliq hunters voiced their opposition to the listing of grizzly bears as a species of special concern at a hearing held to discuss the animal last week.

Kivalliq Wildlife Board chair David Aksawnee, foreground, and Norman Attangula of Baker Lake listen during a public hearing on a proposal to list the grizzly bear as a species of special concern. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

While the proposed listing would not prohibit hunting, it would mean the introduction of a management plan.

"Many of the delegates were concerned about the new abundance of the grizzly bears, damage to cabins and endangerment of their families. These were the most common concerns for every one of the delegates from every community. They do no want a quota system for grizzlies," said Harry Flaherty, acting chairperson of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB).

The meeting was hosted in Rankin Inlet by the NWMB on Sept. 10 to discuss a proposal by the Canadian Wildlife Service to change the animal's listing under the Species at Risk Act.

According to Rankin hunter Paul Kanayok, 23 cabins have been damaged by grizzlies in the area this summer.

"Our cabins too, not too far out of town, are getting damaged and our hunters are not getting any compensation, even when their equipment is being destroyed," said Jackie Napayok, an elder from Whale Cove who also spoke at the hearing.

A number of other speakers related their concerns with grizzlies raiding meat caches, making it impossible to continue the tradition.

It is estimated there are about 26,000 grizzlies in Canada.

About 1,000 grizzlies are believed to be found in Nunavut, of which 200 are in the Kivalliq region.

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assessed the population in May 2002 and has recommended they be listed as a species of special concern. It points to the degradation of its habitat and other human pressures.

Environment Canada requested the NWMB approve the listing in 2004.

"This has been on our agenda for a couple years now but we wanted to hear more from the concerned communities," Flaherty said.

Kitikmeot stakeholders did not believe the bear population was declining, but they agreed with the listing of it as species of special interest, according to Flaherty.

The NWMB will now compile all the information and review it before making its decision, likely at the December general meeting.

The federal minister of environment will then have 60 to 90 days to consider it and respond to the recommendation.