The Canadian Press

TORONTO - An Ontario judge has dismissed two animal rights groups’ attempt to block the province’s revived spring bear hunt — just days before it is scheduled to begin.

Animal Alliance of Canada and Zoocheck Canada were challenging a pilot project to reinstate the spring bear hunt the hunt.

The groups argued mother bears will be killed and their orphaned cubs left to starve or be killed by predators.

They had filed an application for a judicial review, arguing the hunt would be contrary to animal cruelty provisions in the Criminal Code.

The pilot project is slated to begin May 1 and run for six weeks in eight wildlife areas known for having the most public safety incidents involving bears.

The hunt was cancelled in 1999.