Can Maine Lessen The Deer Tick Population By Hunting More Bears?

The explosion of deer ticks in the northeast may be linked to black bears, who have been found to be perfect hosts to the disease carrying parasites.

The abundance of deer ticks throughout the northeast could be perpetuated by growing black bear populations, according to a new study. Findings published in the International Journal of Parasitology suggests black bears, particularly males, are greatly contributing to the spread deer ticks. Researchers and biologists at Pennsylvania State University found the body of a bear is an ideal habitat for deer ticks, durring all mobile stages of their life. Deer ticks are the verity of tick that transmits Lyme Disease.

Photo by Dick Millet on Unsplash

Maine has been battling an explosion of tick populations statewide for years. In particular, wildlife biologists have been trying to break the winter tick population within the moose herd. Durring the 2021 moose hunt, 550 cow permits were issued for what was called the Adaptive Unit Hunt. The goal of the special hunt was to help biologists determine if moose density reduction via hunting can break or lessen winter tick impacts to moose in Maine. Could Maine lessen deer tick populations by increasing the harvest of bear? Maybe, but there's already plenty of opportunity to hunt black bear in Maine.

The state is home to one of the largest bear populations in the country. In addition, the three-month season is one of the longest bear hunting seasons in the country. Plus there's a verity of methods hunters can utilize to kill a bear. Two bears per-season can be taken by a hunter; one via trapping, and another by hunting. However, only about 25% of all bear hunters are successful.

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Durring the 2021 seasons 3,768 black bear were harvested in Maine, according to the Big Game Harvest Dashboard.

15 Must-Have Items For Ice Fishing Season In Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

Explore the Ruins of a Historic Mansion in Acadia National Park

George B. Dorr spent much of his life creating, expanding and caring for Acadia National Park. That's why he's often referred to as the father of Acadia National Park. According to the National Park Service, the property known as the "Old Farm" was accepted by the park in 1941. On the property is the ruins of what was a 30-room summer "cottage," the remnants of a saltwater pool, and a small beach. It's just an easy walk through the woods away.

Filed Under: Hunting