Maryland 2021 Black Bear Hunt Lottery Now Open
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2021 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season which will take place Oct. 25-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The department will issue 950 hunting permits this year.
The annual bear hunt, now in its 18th year, is an important management tool used to slow the increase of Maryland’s black bear population and limit expansion of Maryland bears into the eastern suburbs and cities.
“Maryland’s closely regulated, sustainable black bear hunt has been helping us achieve our management goal of limiting the growth of our bear population, while ensuring a secure and sustainable future for this remarkable species,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said.
Maryland 2021 Black Bear Hunt Lottery Now Open maryland.gov - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from maryland.gov Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
As Maryland black bears emerge from hibernation, the state’s Wildlife and Heritage Service is warning people to keep food tucked away to avoid attracting them.
The department has advised residents to be vigilant and keep their garbage in a bear-proof bin or a locked shed, and to store their grills inside.
Bears in Maryland are most populous in four western counties Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington however in the coming months when the young, juvenile bears separate from their mother and find new territory, they can spread out all over the state, according to the news release.
The Wildlife and Heritage Service stated it is important to avoid man-made attractions for bears as it reduces the chance of “human-bear conflicts” as well as damage.
Between 2009-2019, there have been an average of 480 or more nuisance calls every year for bears as well as over $18,000 in agricultural damage, according to the Wildlife and Heritage Service.
Maryland officials trying to limit bear-human conflict wbal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wbal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.