Bear biologist speaks in Greenville

    GREENVILLE — On Jan. 9 at the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Clubhouse, Jennifer Vashon, a bear biologist for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, gave a presentation about the Maine black bear. The discussion included the current bear population, the expected growth of Maine’s bear population and different ways in which it can be controlled. Also discussed was the negative impact a proposed referendum being brought by the Humane Society of the United States to ban all hunting of bear by the use of bait, dogs and trapping.

Contributed photo

   BEAR FACTS — IF&W biologist Jennifer Vashon spoke in Greenville about Maine’s black bear population. Pictured, from left, Vashon, State Rep. Paul Davis and Davis’ high school classmate Richard Annett.

    Vashon said there are about 30,000 bear in Maine and that the population has grown by nearly 70 percent since 1970. It was also learned that in order to control the bear population, a harvest of 3,500 to 4,500 bear must be taken. This goal is not being met, as the average take since 2005 has only averaged  2,910 per year. This decrease is attributed to a 24 percent decline in hunters.
    Nearly 80 of all bear taken each year are taken over bait. Only about 3 percent are taken by hunting. Trapping takes about 3 percent and hunting with hounds takes about 11 percent, according to the IF&W. The remaining 3 percent is by unreported methods.
    The economic value of bear hunting was not discussed but several folks at the meeting felt it is considerable for towns like Greenville. The meeting was arranged by Rep. Paul Davis and hosted by the Greenville Tea Party.
    An old friendship was also renewed at the meeting as Richard Annett and Davis met each other for the first time since they graduated from Dexter High School in 1965. Annett is from Garland and Davis is from Dexter.