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Black Bear Conservation Program
Purchase the 2008-2008
Black Bear Conservation Stamp and Products
Black
Bear Education Trunk
Now Available for Maryland Educators
What is the Black
Bear Conservation Program?
The Black Bear Conservation Stamp
Program began in 1996. Authorized by the Maryland General Assembly, the
stamp generates funds that are used to compensate farmers who have
reported damage to agricultural crops caused by black bears. Stamps may be
purchased for a minimum contribution of $5.00 and are available on the DNR
website, or through any of the Department of Natural Resource's Service
Centers located throughout Maryland, or by calling 1-800-873-3763.
Why are
there more Black Bears?
The growing black bear population is the result of several factors.
Since the early 1900s, the quality of Maryland's wetlands and forest lands
have been improving, following the end of decades of unregulated cutting
of trees and destruction of wetland habitat in Western Maryland. Improving
habitat conditions throughout the tri-state region prompted bear
relocation efforts by the state of Pennsylvania. The success of this
program, coupled with various bear management programs employed by West
Virginia, helped generate a spillover of bears into Maryland during the
1970s and 1980s. The improving habitat conditions in Western Maryland
invited black bears back to an area they had historically occupied. Public
support of law enforcement efforts to thwart illegal hunting of black
bears insured that black bears would succeed in their new habitat.
How has
DNR responded to nuisance bear complaints?
One of the objectives of Maryland's Black Bear Management Plan is to minimize bear-human conflicts
by helping the public cope with nuisance bear problems in a manner that will be effective and have minimal adverse impact on the bear
population. DNR has responded to these complaints by providing technical assistance and educational materials to landowners. DNR also provides electric fencing to beekeepers.
Important information about black bears and
humans.
During the spring and early summer months, black bears do become more active.
This increase in activity is due to the fact that young bears (about 1 1/2
years old) are chased away by their mothers to find a home of their own.
Also during June and July, black bears are breeding and older males will
wander long distances in search of a mate. DNR Wildlife and Heritage
Division warns that people who come upon black bears should treat them
with respect and leave them alone! Bears usually pose no threat to
humans unless they are harassed, pursued, cornered, or have cubs with
them. DNR has put together some safety
tips concerning the black bear.
How
Can
I Help?
Black
Bear Conservation stamps are available for a minimum contribution of $5
for each stamp. However, additional gift contributions to the Compensation
Fund are welcome. See the order form
for details.
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