What type of bait is used and what other species use the bait stations? How might baiting for bears impact populations of other predators and as a result their prey?
In general, any high calorie or high protein food that is easily purchased in large quantities may be used as bear bait. The most prominent type of bait used in Maine is pastries, which are used in combination with the following: meat scraps, molasses, beaver carcasses, used fryolator grease, table scraps, fish, honey, grains, fruits, candy, french fries, and breads. That said, most bears diet during the two-month baiting period is comprised of natural foods as evidenced by analysis of scats and stomach contents of killed bears at bait sites. Additionally, bears are leaner and enter dens earlier in years when mast (nuts, seeds, or fruit produced by woody plants) production is poor, despite the availability of bait. Bear consume most of the food at active bait sites that are well maintained. Often, a hunter will take measures to exclude non-target species from feeding on baits. Other species observed feeding at bait sites include raccoons, marten, coyote, porcupine, snowshoe hare, squir
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