Nah, it doesn't sound like any kind of excuse for baiting at all. Our bear population is alive and well. Those who will kill cubs will kill cubs, bait or no bait. The number of cubs taken isn't hurting the population at all. We do not need to bait bear in PA to kill them, not that some don't try the easy way, however a high fine and restitution usually takes that idea out of there head in the future. Most people who kill cubs are embarrassed and don't do it again. However, the OP was concerned if the cubs would survive if the sow was killed. I can't speak for the rest of the country, but around here the answer is yes.