In Virginia, it is illegal to feed bears on both public and private lands.
Is it legal to feed bears?
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island prohibit people from feeding black bears. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont have no such restrictions. New York and New Jersey prohibit the intentional feeding of black bears, but New York exempts certain people with black bear tracking dog licenses.
Is it illegal to feed wild animals in Virginia?
The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries is reminding people that it is dangerous and illegal to feed wildlife in the Commonwealth.
Can you feed a wild bear?
Do not feed the bears! … Sadly, bears that obtain human food may lose their natural fear of humans. Over time, they may become bold or aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food and become a threat to public safety.
Can you kill a bear in VA?
According to Virginia law, it is illegal to kill a black bear this time of year. According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, a property owner in Amherst had complained about black bears “visiting his bird feeders” in past years.
Why should we not feed a bear?
There’s really no question: People should NOT feed bears.
Close contact with bears all too often leads to trouble. Bears that are intentionally or unintentionally fed by people become accustomed to being around people and are more likely to cause property damage or inadvertently injure a person.
Why is it illegal to feed bears?
Feeding wild animals anywhere (not just polar bears) is illegal, no matter how well intentioned this act may appear, for the following reasons: – To hand-feed wildlife can force some species to lose their habitual shyness – in other words, their natural fear of Man.
Can you feed deer on private property in Virginia?
It is already illegal to hunt over bait in Virginia, but it is not illegal to feed deer on private land. It is illegal to feed deer or elk in any county, city or town during any deer or elk hunting season.
Are salt blocks legal in Virginia?
In Virginia, however, it is unlawful and carries serious penalties if you’re found hunting a location with a salt or mineral block, or any other bait setup. This sometimes confuses people who may think hunting on the edge of a corn field is illegal.
Can you feed deer corn in Virginia?
Courtesy Photo: The annual deer feeding ban went into effect in Virginia on Sept. 1 and runs through the first Saturday in January. It is now illegal to feed deer statewide in Virginia.
Is bread bad for bears?
Bread is high in protein, compared to waterfowl’s natural diet, and when ducklings, goslings, and cygnets eat too much protein they can develop a deformity called slipped wing or “angel wing,” which can prevent them from being able to fly later in life.
Why should we not feed birds?
: Feeding birds can increase the spread of disease in three ways: by causing them to come in closer contact than they would normally, by causing increased defecation that harbors bacteria that is responsible for numerous diseases, and moldy bread can cause a fatal lung infection that can decimate entire waterfowl …
Is it OK to feed bears bread?
Bread is high in protein, compared to waterfowl’s natural diet, and when ducklings, goslings, and cygnets eat too much protein they can develop a deformity called slipped wing or “angel wing,” which can prevent them from being able to fly later in life.
Can you shoot a bear on your property in Virginia?
Beyond hunting seasons, it is illegal to kill and shoot at bears. Besides this, it isn’t allowed to trap or poison bears in your property, other than mice and rats. The only time you can trap or shoot bears or other wild animals is if you obtain a nuisance wildlife permit.
What is the largest black bear killed in Virginia?
Any black bear 500 or more pounds is awesome. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries reports that the heaviest one it is aware of is a 740-pound monster killed in the Dismal Swamp area near Suffolk on Dec. 15, 2000.
Can I kill deer on my property in VA?
Kill Permits
As provided by Virginia State Statute §29.1-529. Killing of deer damaging fruit trees, crops, livestock or personal property or creating a hazard to aircraft or motor vehicles, the VDGIF is authorized to permit owners or lessees of land to kill deer where deer cause commercial or personal property damage.