Black Bear Task Force - Report and Recommendations

For Maryland's bears and for those people who care about them........ 

The membership of the Maryland Black Bear Task Force would like to thank the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for providing them with the opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of black bears in Maryland. 

Signing this report does not imply endorsement of all recommendations contained herein. Individual comment and recommendations from Task Force members can be viewed in Appendices G through N (listed on right).

Dr. Ron Barry, Department of Biology, Frostburg State University 
Valerie Connelly, Maryland Farm Bureau
George Falter, Jr. Private citizen (McHenry)
Brad Frantz, Garrett County Emergency Management  
Gary Fratz, Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission
Peggy Gosnell, Private citizen (Accident) 
John Hadidian, The Humane Society of the United States 
Michael Markarian, The Fund for Animals
Tom Mathews, DNR Wildlife Biologist - Retired
Nancy Railey, Garrett County Rental Real Estate Agents 
Tom Rooney, Maryland Sportsmen Association 
Jerry Zembower, Allegany-Garrett Sportsmen Association 

Black Bear Task Force Mission Statement 

Maryland's Black Bear Management Plan, written in 1992, expired in December 2001. The Task Force is charged with reviewing past efforts under the 1992 plan, identifying important public values to consider for bear management, and providing recommendations to DNR on the future of black bear management in Maryland. 

The black bear is a charismatic species that evokes a variety of emotions and opinions from the many citizens concerned with bear management. The Task Force will solicit, and consider input from, individuals and groups that may have disparate opinions on bear management. Therefore, cooperation and an open mind will be critical toward the development of a successful management plan. 

While statewide species management is a goal of the management plan, special consideration must be given to those areas of the state where citizens are currently living with bears. Additionally, there are many issues that the Task Force will evaluate, including: 

• Human - bear problems (e.g. public safety, agricultural and property damage). 

• Bear population dynamics to include bear population objectives and range expansion. 

• Ecological, aesthetic and recreational value of bears. 

• Human behavior as it impacts bears. 

• Funding alternatives for managing black bears. 

• Animal welfare. 

• Available control methods. 

Furthermore, the Task Force will review land use policies in western Maryland and offer recommendations for minimizing the impacts development may be having on bears and their habitats. The Task Force will also address the increasing recreational demands being placed on public land in western Maryland, and the potential impact it may have on bears. 

Maryland DNR is depending on the Black Bear Task Force to carefully consider all management options. While DNR is responsible for the management of bears, it is through the recommendations of the Task Force that DNR will come to understand the bear management values important to the citizens of Maryland. 

Two Versions of the report can be found below.

Black Bear Task Force Report and Recommendations
To The Maryland Department of Natural Resources 
March 28, 2003 
(.PDF File 289 KB - Opens with Acrobat Reader)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click on sections below to view)

Overview Of Task Force Recommendations

Decision-Making Process 

Purpose And Scope Of Effort 

Life History Of The Black Bear

Status Of Black Bear In Maryland

Black Bear Conservation Program Stamp And Decal 

BBTF Issues And Concerns 

Public Attitude Survey 

Recommended Goals And Strategies 

Appendix A: Black Bear Task Force Membership Roster 

Appendix B: Black Bear Population Status Report 

Appendix C: MD DNR Black Bear Management Plan, 1992-2001, Summary Of Activities 

Appendix D: Black Bear Conservation Stamp Program 

Appendix E: Black Bear Task Force Issues And Concerns 

Appendix F: Letter To Director, Maryland DNR Wildlife And Heritage Service From BBTF Chairman 

Appendix G: Statement Of Ronald Barry, BBTF Member 

Appendix H: Statement Of Maryland Sportsman's Association BBTF Member 

Appendix I: Statement Of George Falter, Jr. BBTF Member 

Appendix J: Statement Of The Humane Society Of The United States BBTF Member 

Appendix K: Statement Of The Allegany Garrett Sportsman’s Association BBTF Member 

Appendix L: Statement Of The Fund For Animals, BBTF Member 

Appendix M: Statement Of Tom Mathews, BBTF Member 

Appendix N: Statement Of Margaret Gosnell, BBTF Member 

Literature Cited 

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