Maryland Black Bear Project

WHAT WE’RE DOING

At the request of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Applied Spatial Wildlife Lab at the University of Maryland College Park is conducting a study of black bears across the state of Maryland. Our primary goals are to estimate the population size and distribution patterns of bears across the state. From May to August of 2025, we are using baited hair snares to collect fur samples from bears. Each hair snare will remain in place for approximately one month.

If you have any questions about the project, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing md.bearproject@umd.edu, or calling us at 443-917-1224.

HOW IT WORKS

THE SETUP

Researchers string barbed wire between trees and hang a sweet treat in the middle of the configuration. Bears pass through the barbed wire to reach the bait, and leave tufts of fur that are caught in the barbs. After enjoying their treat (usually a donut), bears leave the hair snare apparatus and return to their normal activities.

THE ANALYSIS

Fur is collected regularly and undergoes genetic analysis to determine how many bears visited the hair snare each day. Genetic data is paired with GPS collar data and camera trap data to estimate the population size

Project updates

We have begun deploying hair snares in the following counties as of DATE: LIST COUNTIES. We add project updates to this webpage as the sampling season progresses. If you have any questions about the project, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing md.bearproject@umd.edu, or calling us at 443-917-1224.