Maine hunters killed 3,900 bears during the 2003 season, an increase of nearly 400 over the 2002 total of 3,512. The harvest was slightly lower than in 2000 (3,951) and 2001 (3,903).

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reported that 95 percent of the bears killed last year were taken using traditional hunting methods that could be banned if this fall’s bear referendum passes. Of the 3,900 bears killed, 3,128 were taken over bait (80 percent), 450 were shot by hunters using dogs (12 percent), 130 were trapped (3 percent) and 192 were taken by unreported methods (5 percent).

The DIFW reported Maine’s bear population has grown 28 percent since 1990 to an estimated 23,000 animals.

Maine’s 13-week 2004 bear hunting season begins Monday, Aug. 30, and ends Saturday, Nov. 27. Officials expect another harvest of close to 4,000 bears.