Big Wildlife

Earth Island Journal, Summer, 2009

In February, Big Wildlife, Alaska Wildlife Alliance, and Raincoast Conservation urged eBay to halt the sale of trophy hunts of lions, leopards, bears, and other large predators on its Web site. The online auction and shopping site regularly permits postings of guided hunts of carnivores throughout the US, Canada, and abroad. Unfortunately, eBay Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Tod Cohen says the company has no intention to halt its sales of trophy hunt.

In his letter, Mr. Cohen clarified that eBay has refused to post the sale of items that the company and the general public find "offensive." Big Wildlife believes trophy hunting of majestic animals for "sport" is not only scientifically indefensible but also offensive. Expansive hunting of top predators also ignores the importance these species play in natural systems. As "keystone species," they help sustain ecological integrity and preserve species diversity.

Urge eBay to immediately stop posting sales of trophy hunts of top carnivores and other predators. For a list of eBay employees to contact, visit www.bigwildlife.org.