ANNAPOLIS – Maryland hunters harvested 89 black bears during the state’s 23rd annual black bear hunt held Oct. 26-31 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The 2026 harvest was consistent with the 5-year average of 95 bears.
The 2026 harvest consisted of 28 male and 61 female bears. The total harvest from each county was: 61 from Garrett County, 10 from Washington County, nine from Allegany County, and nine from Frederick County. The largest bear harvested had an estimated live weight of 313 pounds and was taken in Garrett County. Fifteen additional bears– four male and 11 female–were harvested between August 15 and October 27 by farmers with agricultural damage permits.
“Low nighttime temperatures created beautiful morning and evening conditions ideal for bear hunting and a successful season,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “Each year, we rely on our dedicated hunters to contribute to the management of black bears in the state.”…