Black bears were historically prevalent in the Piedmont prior to agricultural expansion by colonists. As bear populations became more threatened throughout the state, North Carolina created bear sanctuaries which have protected their populations from being completely decimated by humans. Their report states, “By the middle part of the 20th century, bears had been extirpated from the piedmont, and populations had receded into remote areas of the mountains and coastal plain.” Now, these animals are beginning to move back into their original range. In anticipation of this, the Wildlife Resources Commission plans to prevent their return to the Piedmont by opening up hunting seasons in the “Piedmont Bear Management Unit” or PMBU which is comprised of various counties in the North Carolina Piedmont and Triangle area. There are no bear sanctuaries in the Piedmont.
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Their Plan:
“1) Establish a bear hunting season in all PBMU counties.
2) Every three years (e.g. 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021) evaluate trends in the and consider
recommending changes in the following as appropriate:
a. Number of days in the bear hunting season.
b. Timing of the bear hunting season.
c. Bag limit
d. New and/or proven harvest techniques.
Objective #2. Use lethal and non-lethal techniques to address human-bear interactions.”
The full Commission will meet at 9 a.m. August 30 in the Wildlife Resources
Commission Headquarters Conference Room, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh.
From the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:
“Black Bear Management To Be Discussed
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Big Game Committee will discuss black bear management at its August 29 meeting. Watch here for specific meeting information as the date approaches.
The full Commission will meet at 9 a.m. August 30 in the Wildlife Resources
Commission Headquarters Conference Room, 1751 Varsity Drive, Raleigh.”
Consider coming out to that event to speak in defense of the bears, or to join us for a demonstration outside. Either way, make sure you contact them at wrnccomments@ncwildlife.org and the executive director, Gordon S. Myers 919-707-0151. His individual e-mail is gordon.myers@ncwildlife.org
Reblogged this on Earth First! Newswire.
There are no bear sanctuaries in the Piedmont? Sounds like my land in Guil Co. has a new calling.
I just updated the site with contact info if you’re interested in contacting them, spread the word!
contact them at wrnccomments@ncwildlife.org and the executive director, Gordon S. Myers 919-707-0151. His individual e-mail is gordon.myers@ncwildlife.org