Does bear baiting cause nuisance bear problems by conditioning bears to human food?
There is no evidence to suggest that bears attracted to bait stations learn to associate human food with humans and learn to approach humans as a result. In fact, the areas in Maine where hunting black bears over bait is most common are those with the lowest incidence of both nuisance bear complaints and bears taken in defense of life and property. Wildlife scientists have not conducted studies that would provide clear, objective resolution to this question. Q: If hunting black bears over bait is outlawed, will the number of nuisance bear problems or bears taken in defense of life or property increase? Biologists believe there is a possibility that a ban on bear baiting will result in increased numbers of nuisance bear problems in at least some parts of the state. Q: Why is bait used to hunt bears? Attracting bears to bait stations is the most effective means of hunting black bear because thick forest cover makes other methods impractical. Baiting is used in all habitats by disabled in
