Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) has developed Best Management Practices for 22 species of furbearers in the US. In Maine, black bears are not considered a furbearer, yet the Design and Deployment Standards for trapping bears, and specifications for approved trap designs serve as Maine’s BMPs in regard to bear trapping.

BMP criteria for evaluating trapping devices consider: Animal Welfare, Efficiency, Selectivity, Practicality, and Safety.

BMPs are intended to inform the public about traps and trapping systems considered to be state of the art in animal welfare and efficiency.

Maine’s Wildlife biologists are highly respected and known for their expertise, with decades of research, innovation, and leadership when it comes to making sound decisions in regard to bear management.

All Trapping in North America is heavily regulated by state and provincial wildlife agencies. More information on BMPs may be found at the link provided: www.fishwildlife.org/afwa-inspires/furbearer-management.