Update: since this bill failed to pass through a Senate committee, it has failed the funnel and will not be moving forward this legislative session. Thank you to those who communicated with your legislators.
A bill to protect black bears passed the House and is on its way to the Senate. The bill would place the black bear on the list of fur-bearers (bill HF175). Once on the list, the black bear could be given a hunting season. At first, the season would be closed since there are so few black bear in Iowa. In the future, if the number of black bear in Iowa increase to the point where a sustainable hunting season could be supported, the Department of Natural Resources could establish a hunting season. The Sierra Club supports this bill.
What you can do
This has been assigned to a Senate subcommittee. Ask the subcommittee members to support HF175 protecting black bears. Their email addresses are ken.rozenboom@legis.iowa.gov , sarah.trone.garriott@legis.iowa.gov , dan.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov
You can also ask your senator to support the bill protecting black bears - HF175
To look up your senate member, see www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/senate
Find your legislator
Background
Black bears were abundant in Iowa at the time of settlement. However the black bear was extirpated from Iowa by over-hunting in the mid 1800’s. After a long absence from Iowa, the black bear has begun repopulating the state. Black bears live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Missouri, so it is not surprising that bears periodically make their way into Iowa.
Northeast Iowa has habitat that is favorable to black bear. Although there are not large populations of black bear in the state, they are found in small numbers.
The black bear currently has no protection from hunting, so any black bear found in Iowa can legally be killed. In order to allow the black bears to continue expanding in Iowa, the black bear must be protected from hunting pressure. Initially the black bear can be given a closed season. Once the population expands, a sustainable hunting season can be established.
Black bears are shy and timid. They do not attack humans to protect their territory or cubs. Startled bears will run away and often climb a nearby tree.
The DNR has a document titled “Living with Bears” that talks about how to prevent bear confrontations. Although beekeepers have expressed concerns about the black bear, the beehives can be surrounded by electric fences which will keep the bears at bay. Afterbirth from livestock should be removed from fields and pastures. Carcasses of deceased livestock should not be left exposed, but instead removed, buried, or incinerated.