MARYLAND ACTION ALERT

BUY A $5 BEAR STAMP TO HELP PROTECT MARYLAND BEARS

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has unveiled the "Black Bear Conservation Stamp & Decal" designed by wildlife artist Francis Edward Sweet.

Although there are only an estimated 200 black bears in Maryland, there have been complaints from beekeepers and farmers whose property has been damaged by bears. Last year, members of a citizens' task force proposed a sport hunting season on black bears, where the money generated through the sale of hunting licenses was to be used as compensation for business owners who report bear damage.

Maryland citizens did not take kindly to the thought of hunting our bears -- especially such a small population. An overwhelming majority of citizens who attended public meetings across the state spoke out against a bear hunt.

Instead of a hunting season, the DNR decided to raise money through the sale of bear stamps and decals. The money generated through the stamp and decal program will be used to compensate people who report bear damage, and will encourage them to tolerate bears and to coexist with our wildlife neighbors.

If this program is unsuccessful, the trophy hunting lobby will inevitably try to renew the call for a bear hunting season. Please show your support for non-lethal methods of bear management by purchasing bear stamps and decals today!

The stamps and decals are $5 each. To order, indicate how many stamps and how many decals you would like, and send a check or money order made out to "Black Bear Conservation Fund" to the address below:

ATTN: Black Bear Conservation Fund
Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 1869
Annapolis, MD 21401-1869

For more information, call the DNR at (410) 260-8540 or visit their Web Site.

Thank you for your help!

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