APPENDIX E 



GUIDELINES FOR 

 BEAR DEPREDATION OF BEEHIVES 



5-7-37 



Bear depredation to beehives is considered a specialized 

 depredation problem. Consequently, the following guidelines are 

 considered a supplement to the existing, more extensive game 

 damage guidelines dated September 30, 1985. Existing statutes 

 and rules classify bees as livestock. Bees must, therefore, be 

 included with other li'-estock in statutes which address predation 

 and other problems related to livestock (87-3-127 and 87-3-130) 

 These statutes allow livestock owners to shoot, trap or chase 

 with dogs any bears that have destroyed, or are threatening to 

 destroy beehives. These statutes do not supercede private 

 property rights. Landowners may prevent bears from being killed 

 by both beekeepers and Department personnel by preventing access 

 to their property. 



1. All bear depredation complaints to the Department will be 

 investigated within 48 hours (87-1-225) . Complaints by 

 beekeepers should be made to local ADC agents or Department 

 of Fish, Wildlife and Parks' personnel. '■"First contact" 

 individuals or procedures may vary locally. ' Coordination 

 with ADC relative to bear-bee issues will be accommodated at 

 regional level by Regional Supervisor. 



2. All bears known by the Department to have destroyed beehives 

 will be killed in compliance with Department policy. When 

 the Department responds to a verified beeyard damage 

 complaint where bees have been killed by the bear, killing 

 the bear is the only alternative. Beekeepers must have 

 permission of the landowner to kill depredating bears on 

 property other than their own. 



3. Beekeepers may shoot, trap, snare or chase with dogs, any 

 bears that have destroyed, or are threatening to destroy 

 beehives (87-3-127; 87-3-130) . Beekeepers must have 

 reasonable evidence that bears killed have caused damage and 

 avoid the killing of "innocent" bears. Any bears killed by 

 landowners or beekeepers shall be reported to the Department 

 as soon as practical and no later than 72 hours (87-3-130). 

 After report of a bear kill, FWP personnel will complete the 

 depredation report and the necessary parts and data will be 

 obtained (e.g. tooth, claws, skull). 



4. Trapping or snaring of bears by beekeepers must occur within 

 50 feet of beehives. Snares should only be used after 

 damage has occurred. All traps and snares must be checked 

 at least every 12 hours (87-3-127) . 



5. Beekeepers using a beehive within 50 feet of an active, 

 occupied registered beeyard, for the purpose of trapping, 

 snaring or shooting depredating black bears, are not baiting 

 as defined under state law (87-3-101) . 



94 



