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Md. Starts Bear Population Study In 4 Counties

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Maryland wildlife managers are starting a new black bear population study.

The Department of Natural Resources says it's beginning field work Tuesday on a project to estimate the number of bears in Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties.

Biologist Harry Spiker says this is the state's first attempt to cientifically gauge the number of black bears in all four western counties. Previous studies have focused only on Garrett and Allegany.

The most recent such study was done in 2005. It produced an estimate of 326 bears from Cumberland west.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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