August 29, 2018

MDIFW NEWS -- Emergency Rule In Effect Limiting Some Bear Trapping Methods in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has adopted an emergency rule that limits some methods used to trap bear which may accidentally capture the federally threatened Canada Lynx in Maine. This emergency rule adopts measures that would prevent further lynx fatalities as outlined in the Department's "2014 Final Incidental Take Plan for Maine's Trapping Program." This emergency rule is effective for 90 days and will cover the 2018 bear trapping season only.

This 90 day emergency rule has been adopted to address only how a trap is set for bear. More specifically, a foot snare designed to capture a bear when it reaches into the snare or a device to obtain bait or lure is prohibited. The Department will develop a permanent rule proposal to be put in place before the 2019 bear trapping season that will address the issue long term.

Review the full rule by visiting Emergency Bear Trapping Rule