Bear Hunting Season Begins Soon, Here's How To Bear-Proof Homes

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland has a thriving black bear population and one way to help deter the animal's expansion into the eastern suburbs and cities while simultaneously culling the growing population is with a hunting lottery.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the state's 2019 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season that will occur Oct. 21-25 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties, which is where the state's greatest bear population is located. The department will issue 800 hunting permits this year.

The bear population size was last estimated in 2011, but the department believes that Maryland is home to more than 2,000 adult and subadult black bears.

“Maryland’s closely regulated, sustainable black bear hunt is now in its 16th year,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said in a press release. “This hunt has been helping us achieve our management goal of limiting the growth our bear population while ensuring a secure and sustainable future for this remarkable species.”

Hunters may apply for the lottery online, at regional service centers, or at one of more than 250 hunting and fishing license agents across the state. Hunters need a valid DNR ID number to participate. All entries must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 31 and must be accompanied by a $15 nonrefundable application fee. Only one application per person will be accepted; submitting duplicates can result in disqualification and forfeiture. The drawing will be held Sept. 3 and winners will be notified shortly thereafter.

For those Maryland residents who find bears pose a problem, it's important to learn how to live as amicably as possible among them. In the spring and summer, year-old male bears tend to wander into populated areas looking to establish their territory, Patch reported previously. They can meander anywhere from 150 to 200 miles during this journey, which often leads them close to humans.

A bear was spotted climbing a tree at the Timbers at Troy golf course in Elkridge in June 2016 and also put a school in Ellicott City on lockdown around that time. In June 2014, a bear spent several hours around the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, taking a stroll on campus and perching in a tree.

So what's the biggest draw to people's property? Accessible trash, bird feeders, pet food, charcoal grills, fruit trees and gardens. Once a bear finds food at your property, it likely will return, the DNR stated.

Keeping Bears Away From Homes and Cabins

To minimize bear problems on your property:

• Reduce garbage odors. Rinse food cans and wrappers before disposal.
• Compost vegetable scraps properly away from house.
• Keep meat scraps in the freezer until garbage pickup day.
• Wash garbage cans regularly and use lime to cut odors.
• Keep garbage cans in a bear-proof container or in an enclosed building until trash pickup.
• Remove bird feeders in the spring. If you persist in feeding during summer, remove seed, suet and hummingbird feeders at night.
• Keep pet food inside.
• Keep barbecue grills and picnic tables clean.
• Use an energized fence to keep bears out of beehives, sweet corn, fruit trees and berry patches. (An energized fence is powered by a low-impedance, high –voltage energizer that provides a short-duration, high-energy impulse.)
• Barking dogs, bright lights and noisemakers will sometimes discourage bears from coming into an area.

If a bear comes into your yard:

• Don't panic, shoot or approach it.
• Back away slowly.
• Go inside and wait for the bear to leave.
• Most bears fear people and will leave when they see you.
• If a bear woofs, snaps its jaws, slaps the ground or brush, or bluff charges: YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!
• Learn to tolerate bears. Many bears are killed or injured when not causing problems.

If a bear refuses to leave:

• Be sure you have allowed the bear an escape route.
• Make loud noises to scare it away.
• If a bear is treed:
• Leave it alone. The bear will usually go away when it feels safe.
• Have people leave the area.
• Remove your dog from the area.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A Bear?

If you encounter a bear that is not aware of your presence, back away and leave the area. Give the bear plenty of room. If you spot a bear cub, remain alert. The cub's mother is sure to be near, state officials say.

If you meet a bear at close range, speak to it in a calm, assertive voice, wildlife experts advise. Stay calm and do not run. Remain upright and back away from the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, which the bear may perceive as a threat.

Black bears may exhibit some unique behaviors when they feel their personal space is being threatened. A crowded bear may huff or make a woofing noise at the threat. They may also swat the ground, pop their jaws, or even bluff charge the perceived threat. When a bear bluff charges, it may stop several yards or just a few feet short of the threat. Remember not to run, as running may incite a bear's natural "chase reflex." Stay calm. Remain upright and back away from the bear.

Bears may also stand upright on their hind legs. This is not a sign of aggression. Bears usually stand upright when they are trying to get a better view of something. Bears rely heavily on their sense of smell, and may stand upright to better determine the source of the new scent, authorities say.

Bear Encounters With Campers
If you encounter a bear while in the outdoors, remain calm. Don't panic. Leave the area. To reduce the chance of experiencing bear problems:

• Move to another campsite if fresh bear signs are present.
• Never keep food in your tent.
• Use canned and dried foods to minimize food odors.
• Store foods out of a bear's reach, in a vehicle or enclosed building if possible.
• Use airtight or bear-proof containers.
• Burn waste paper in your campfire.
• Do not burn or bury food scraps.
• Remove all garbage and fish remains from camp every evening.

If a bear comes into camp:

• Don't feed it. Scare it away.
• Make loud noises, bang pans, yell or use air horns.

After a period of wandering, young bears usually settle in places with established bear populations in western Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. They typically make dens in wooded areas.

More information about living with black bears can be found online or by calling 410-260-8540 or 301-777-2136.

Check out some bear sightings from across the state last year:

• Bears Around Howard County Reported
• Bears Make Rounds in Central Maryland Suburbs
• WATCH: Bear Climbs Behind Officer's Back In Maryland Park
• June Deadly For Bears On Maryland Highways: Natural Resources Police