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Black Bear Task Force Frequently Asked Questions Legislative History Links and Resources Multimedia Natural History Recent News « July 24 Rally for the Bears Would you like to receive the latest campaign news or learn about an event near you? your email address: » Tell Governor Ehrlich and Secretary Franks to Oppose Bear Hunting		About Maryland Bears Recent News Maryland bear hunt proved a sham November 7, 2004 - Now that the over-hyped recent Maryland black bear hunt is over and all those involved have finished patting one another on the back for a job well done, the question arises whether the Department of Natural Resources really did such a fine job. Article from The Washington Times. Young Bear Fair Game, Md. Hunting Officials Say (PDF format) October 27, 2004 - The first bear killed in Maryland was small, certainly -- at 84 pounds, the smallest of all 20 bears killed by hunters during a hunt that began and ended Monday. She also was young, perhaps just 10 months old. But was she a cub? Article from The Washington Post. Study of bear hunt by state could result in season next fall (PDF format) October 27, 2004 - Taking stock of Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years, which ended after only one day, the state's top bear biologist said he is looking ahead to the possibility of another hunt next fall. "I see no reason why we wouldn't implement a hunt next year," Harry Spiker said. "The hunt went off without incident. But that's no surprise. Hunting remains a very safe sport." Article from The Baltimore Sun. Bear hunt lasts one day (PDF format) October 26, 2004 - Calling the one-day harvest rate "overwhelming," and expressing concern that allowing the bear hunt to continue a second day would exceed the 30-bear limit, the DNR ended the hunt late Monday. Article from The Herald-Mail. With 20 bears killed in a day, Md. ends first hunt in 51 years (PDF format) October 26, 2004 - Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years lasted just one day as hunters bagged at least 20 animals of the state's 30-bear limit. The hunt was to have run through Saturday in Garrett County and part of western Allegany, but the Department of Natural Resources ended it last night. Article from The Baltimore Sun. Md. Bear Season Begins and Ends: Officials Call Halt After 20 Are Killed (PDF format) October 26, 2004 - Maryland's first black bear hunt in 51 years ended after just one day Monday, when hunters bagged two-thirds of the quota set for the entire season, officials said. Twenty bears were killed by hunters and brought to state checking stations Monday, Department of Natural Resources officials said. Still more bears might have been killed by hunters who are planning to bring them in to be counted Tuesday, the officials said. Article from The Washington Post. Bearing Down on a Problem (PDF format) October 26, 2004 - Just around daybreak, David Ciekot staked out a spot here in the western woods near a town called Friendsville, climbed a white oak tree and waited under a heavy sky the color of gun metal. At 7 a.m., with a single shot from 40 yards away, he downed a 9-month-old female black bear. She weighed in at 84 pounds. Article from The Los Angeles Times. Maryland Holds First Bear Hunt in 51 Years (PDF format) October 25, 2004 - The morning was cold and foggy--"perfect for bear hunting," according to state Department of Natural Resources biologist Robert Beyer. "Weather conditions are good; there is very little wind for the animals to scent," Beyer said. "We expect the hunters to be out in force, enjoying themselves for the first time in 51 years." Article from The Washington Post. Hunters get briefed on the basics as they prepare for bear season (PDF format) October 25, 2004 - Harry Spiker, Maryland's top bear biologist, rapped on the bleached skull of a black bear with his knuckles yesterday as he lectured more than 200 sportsmen preparing for the state's first hunt for the animal in 51 years. Article from The Balitmore Sun. Candlelight Vigil at Governor’s Mansion Urging Eleventh Hour Reprieve for Maryland Bears October 22, 2004 - With Maryland’s first trophy hunt of black bears in more than 50 years scheduled to begin on Monday, citizens and animal protection groups will hold a candlelight vigil at Governor Ehrlich’s mansion on Sunday night. Judge's ruling allows state bear hunt to begin Monday (PDF format) October 19, 2004 - Prince George's County Circuit Judge Thomas P. Smith rejected several complaints in the suit whose plaintiffs included the Silver Spring-based Fund for Animals, and also observed that the bears had no legal rights. Article from the Baltimore Sun. Judge Rejects Bid to Stop Md. Bear Hunt (PDF format) October 18, 2004 - A judge Monday rejected a lawsuit filed by animal protection groups to block Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years. The state Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a weeklong hunt for late October in two western Maryland counties for hunters to kill 30 black bears to thin the population. Article from Yahoo News. Bear hunt will kill majestic animals October 15, 2004 - The bear hunt is an atrocity. Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. should be ashamed of himself for not listening to the public protests and for rejecting a General Assembly committee's vote against the hunt. Letter to the The Baltimore Sun editor. Maryland Court to Hear Request to Halt Bear Hunt October 15, 2004 - The Prince George's County Circuit Court is scheduled on Monday to hear a case presented by The Fund for Animals, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and several Maryland residents against the states' first trophy hunt of black bears in more than 50 years, which is set to begin on October 25. The groups are asking for an injunction to block the bear hunt. Mass Mailing Calls Some Bear Hunters 'Drunks, Addicts, Unstable' October 8, 2004 - Maryland sportsmen's groups are angry about a mass mailing of postcards to Garrett County property owners urging them not to allow bear hunters on their land. Petition targets hunting of bears (PDF format) September 28, 2004 - The 5-inch-thick petition asks the court to review and deny the new law that legalizes black bear hunting. The plaintiffs have asked for a hearing before Oct. 25, when the bear hunt is scheduled to begin in Garrett and Allegany counties. Article from The Washington Times. Animal protection groups and Maryland citizens file lawsuit to stop bear hunt September 27, 2004 - The Fund for Animals, The Humane Society of the United States and Maryland citizens filed suit today to ask the DNR to "do its homework" before allowing the first black bear hunt in more than 50 years. Opponents Filing Suit to Prevent Md. Bear Hunt (PDF format) September 27, 2004 - Opponents of bear hunting in Maryland said they plan to file a lawsuit today aimed at stopping the state's first bear season in 51 years, which is scheduled to begin late next month. The suit will allege that the state Department of Natural Resources did not do enough research on the black bear population before determining that 30 animals could be killed by hunters. Article from The Washington Post. Sport-Killing Maryland’s Black Bears--What Bill Burton Omitted and What You Can Do (PDF format) September 23, 2004 - Response to Bay Weekly columnist Bill Burton's Sept. 2 article "I Can Bear-ly Contain Myself" by Joseph Lamp, a member of the Maryland DNR's Wildlife Advisory Commission. Dr. Lamp shares the true story behind the DNR's push for a bear hunt. Article from The Bay Weekly. State to select bear hunters as opponents step up threats (PDF format) September 21, 2004 - State wildlife officials are preparing to select 200 people Wednesday who will be permitted to hunt bears in western Maryland, just as animal rights groups are stepping up their threats to halt the hunt with a lawsuit. Article from The Baltimore Sun. In MD, Two Sides Take Aim Before Bear Hunt Begins (PDF format) September 20, 2004 - Repsonse to Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years has been strong on both sides of the issue. More than 1,600 hunters have applied for the 200 licenses. Hunting opponents have picketed the governor's mansion, questioned state regulators in front of a legislative committee and threatened legal action to stop the hunt. Article from The Washington Post. Governor is wrong to back bear hunt September 14, 2004 - Letter to the editor of The Baltimore Sun criticizing Governor Ehrlich's support of the bear hunt. More than 1,300 people have applied for 200 permits for Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years September 13, 2004 - With one week left before the Sept. 21 deadline, the DNR had received 1,315 applications as of Monday afternoon, DNR spokeswoman Heather Lynch said. The agency began accepting the applications Sept. 7. Article from The Associated Press. Apply now for bear hunt permits--Governor approves; 200 licenses available for first season in 51 years (PDF format) September 8, 2004 - Individuals seeking one of the 200 permits that would make them part of Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years have until Sept. 21 to apply, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday. Article from The Cumberland Times-News. Bear hunt foes appeal to Ehrlich--Groups dispute DNR study, ask for independent scientific review of animal population (PDF format) September 2, 2004 - Two animal protection groups asked Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. today to halt Maryland's proposed black bear hunt and conduct an independent scientific review of the bear population. The Fund for Animals and the Humane Society of the United States also said that if the hunt isn't stopped, it should be limited to private lands where bears have damaged crops or property. Article from The Baltimore Sun. Groups Ask Governor Ehrlich to Halt Bear Hunt and Conduct Independent Scientific Review September 2, 2004 - In light of an independent scientific analysis seriously calling into question the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) scientific basis for the first bear hunt in more than 50 years, The Fund for Animals and The Humane Society of the United States today asked Governor Robert Ehrlich to withdraw the proposal to allow bear hunting because the analysis necessitates further review. Panel backs bear allies, but Ehrlich to OK hunt (PDF format) August 26, 2004 - A Maryland General Assembly joint committee voted 12-7 against Maryland's black-bear hunt. Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s spokesman said that the governor likely would approve the hunt anyway. But leaders of the animal rights group Fund for Animals said they will consider suing the state if Mr. Ehrlich doesn't call off the hunt, which would be the first black-bear hunt in 51 years. Article from The Washington Times. Governor says fall black bear hunt will go on--Legislators recommend against killing 30 animals (PDF format) August 26, 2004 - More than 100 people - many wearing neon green stickers proclaiming "No Bear Hunt!" - persuaded a legislative committee yesterday to recommend against holding Maryland's first bear hunt in a half-century. But a spokesman for Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., whose Department of Natural Resources proposed letting hunters kill black bears this fall to control a growing population, said Ehrlich will ignore the 12-7 vote of the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee. Article from The Baltimore Sun. Panel Votes Against Bear Hunt--Ehrlich Not Expected to Be Swayed as Opponents Look to Courts (PDF format) August 26, 2004 - Opponents of a planned black bear hunt in Maryland got their first political victory in Annapolis yesterday--but it might prove to be a hollow one. A joint committee of the General Assembly voted to oppose a proposal for the state's first black bear hunt in 51 years, prompting cheers from the dozens of anti-hunting advocates who had turned out for a public hearing. Article from The Washington Post. Legislative panel hears arguments to halt bear hunt (PDF format) August 25, 2004 - Legislators hearing testimony on Maryland's black bear hunt made a largely symbolic vote today to halt the measure, just as Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s spokesman said the governor likely would approve the hunt anyway. The decision whether to allow hunters to kill 30 bears in Western Maryland in October and December ultimately rests with Ehrlich. Article from The Baltimore Sun. Legislative Committee Votes Overwhelmingly to Block Bear Hunt August 25, 2004 - After hearing three hours of public testimony, the Maryland General Assembly's Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review voted 12 to 7 to reject a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposal to hunt black bears for the first time in more than half a century. The bear hunt is scheduled to begin in October, and Governor Robert Ehrlich now must decide whether to respect the decision of the committee, which has jurisdiction over state agency regulations, or to push forward with the trophy hunt. Block That Bear Hunt! Citizens and Animal Groups Fight to Save Bears' Lives August 25, 2004 - Animal protection groups and political leaders will hold a briefing today to discuss reasons why Maryland should stop its plan for the state's first black bear hunt in 50 years. The briefing will be held prior to the public hearing before the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review, which has jurisdiction over state agency regulations. Expert Statistician Says Maryland Black Bear Numbers "Grossly in Error" August 24, 2004 - Dr. Phillip I. Good, an expert in mathematical statistics and the author of 32 scholarly publications and six text books, has called Maryland's estimate of the state's black bear population "inappropriate and grossly in error." The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates there are between 266 and 437 bears in the state, and has proposed allowing 30 trophy hunters to kill bears beginning this October-for the first time in more than half a century. Poll shows opposition to bear hunt (PDF format) August 17, 2004 - A poll sponsored by The Fund for Animals found that 57 percent of Maryland voters oppose the black bear hunt planned for this fall. The survey by Annapolis-based Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies was based on telephone interviews last week with 847 registered voters in Maryland who vote regularly, according to Gonzales. Article from Hagerstown Herald-Mail Online. Gonzales Poll Reveals Maryland Voters Oppose Bear Hunt August 16, 2004 - Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies, based in Annapolis, has completed a survey of Maryland voters revealing strong opposition to the state's scheduled bear hunt. Voters in all political parties as well as voters in diverse geographical regions—including western Maryland where a majority of bears are present—oppose the hunting of bears, and would be less likely to vote for a politician who supports bear hunting. Bears shouldn't pay the price for sprawl August 14, 2004 - Letter to the editor of The Baltimore Sun from former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening opposing proposed black bear hunt. Legislative panel sets hearing on bear hunt rules (PDF format) August 10, 2004 - A legislative committee has scheduled a public hearing on proposed rules for the state's first bear hunt in 51 years. But the Department of Natural Resources says it won't postpone authorizing the hunt planned for this fall, despite the committee's request for a delay while it studies the proposal. Article from BaltimoreSun.com. Still no reason for Maryland to allow killing of bears August 9, 2004 - Letters to the editor of BaltimoreSun.com criticizing the Sun's editorial page for reversing its position on Maryland's attempt to open a trophy hunt for black bears. Protesters Rally in Md. To Protect Black Bears Crowd Urges Ehrlich to Stop 1st Hunt in Decades (PDF format) July 25, 2004 - About 200 protesters -- clutching teddy bears and black bear posters -- shouted in a galloping chant that echoed in the State House courtyard: "STOP the TRO-phy hunt! STOP the TRO-phy hunt!". Article from WashingtonPost.com. Lawmakers seek bear hunt delay, pending hearing July 23, 2004 - A legislative committee is asking state game managers to delay authorization of Maryland's first bear hunt in 51 years while the panel holds a public hearing on the proposed regulations. Article from Associated Press. Something's "Bruin" at the Governor's Mansion! July 19, 2004 - A costumed "black bear" will join Maryland citizens, The Fund for Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, and others at a rally in front of Governor Ehrlich’s home this Saturday, July 24. Proposed hunt revives interest in bear slayer Meshach Browning July 15, 2004 - The first proposed bear hunt in more than 50 years has rekindled interest in Meshach Browning, an early American frontiersman mythologized by outsized tales of his rugged exploits. Browning, who lived from 1781 to 1859, complained near the end of his book about the disappearance of game he once thought nearly boundless. Article from Associated Press. DNR says 65 percent of Marylanders favor bear hunting July 12, 2004 - A new survey found that 65 percent of Marylanders support regulated hunting as a way of controlling the state's growing black bear population, the Department of Natural Resources said Monday. The Fund for Animals disagrees. Article from Associated Press. Animal Protection Groups Call Maryland Bear Survey a "Predetermined Outcome" -- Bear Hunt Misrepresented by Pro-Hunting Polling Firm July 12, 2004 - Today, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources released a 180-page report on Marylanders’ public attitudes about black bears, and The Fund for Animals and The Humane Society of the United States called the survey question about the state’s first bear hunt in fifty years intentionally misleading. State to start bear hunts in October (PDF format) July 9, 2004 - Maryland officials are moving ahead with plans for the state's first bear hunt in 50 years despite opposition from animal rights groups. The bear hunt is scheduled to be held Oct. 25 to 30 in Garrett County and the section of Allegany County west of Evitt's Creek. Article from Washington Times. Bear Hunts in Maryland (PDF format) July 4, 2004 - Following up on a recommendation from the Black Bear Management Task Force, the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service has paid Responsive Management $25,000 to see what the state's citizens think about bears. Article from Cumberland Times-News. Full page ads ask Maryland farmers whether they want "money in your pockets or a few dead bears?" June 11, 2004 - The Fund for Animals and The Humane Society of the United States offered the Maryland DNR $75,000 to compensate Maryland farmers 100% for any bear-related damage. Governor Ehrlich and the DNR refused. Newspaper ads appeared in the Cumberland Times-News and Hagerstown Herald-Mail. Fund for Animals and Humane Society Call on Governor Ehrlich to Stop Bear Hunt May 25, 2004 - Groups reiterate offer of $75,000 to compensate farmers, solve conflicts. Cash-Strapped DNR Refuses $75,000 April 29-May 5, 2004 - Article from the Bay Weekly. Maryland Rejects Bear Plan (PDF format) April 14, 2004 - Article by The Washington Times. Maryland Rejects $75,000 Offer to Cancel Bear Hunt April 14, 2004 - State chooses trophy hunting over compensating farmers, solving conflicts. Maryland Members of Congress Speak Out Against State's First Bear Hunt in 50 Years April 6, 2004 - Letter from U.S. Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-8), Benjamin L. Cardin (D-3), and Elijah E. Cummings (D-7). Property Owners Could See Bulk of Bear Permits (PDF format) March 11, 2004 - Article by Cumberland Times-News. Up in Arms Over Maryland Bears March 4-10, 2004 - Article by the Bay Weekly. N.J. DEP Chief: 2nd Bear Hunt Isn't Necessary (PDF format) March 6, 2004 - Article by the Daily Record. McGreevey Opposes Another Bear Hunt (PDF format) February 28, 2004 - Article by 1010 WINS. Animal Rights Groups Say Bear Hunt is Political Payback February 19, 2004 - Article by The Associated Press. Bear Hunt Foes Say Ehrlich Selling Out (PDF format) February 19, 2004 - Article by The Washington Times. Something to Growl About (PDF format) February 18, 2004 - Article by The Washington Post. Fund for Animals Urges Maryland Citizens to Speak Out Against "Unbearable" Hunt February 11, 2004 - Radio ads opposing first bear hunt in fifty years feature award-winning actor and Baltimore native Grant Aleksander. Bear Management Plans Include Both Hunting and Protection January 16, 2004 - Article by The Associated Press. A Bear Necessity? October 31, 2003 - A guest opinion column by Michael Markarian in The Baltimore Sun. It's a Bear Necessity October 9, 2003 - Fund for Animals launches new web site to protect Maryland black bears from trophy hunting. Fund for Animals Condemns Task Force Vote Recommending Bear Hunt January 23, 2003 - Maryland citizens overwhelmingly oppose bear hunt by 5-1 margin. Fund for Animals Criticizes Maryland Black Bear Task Force Draft Report January 2, 2003 - Report calls for state's first trophy hunt of black bears in 50 years.