As an ardent animal lover, I was distressed when I read the unbearable news that black bears in western Maryland (mainly those residing in Garrett and Allegheny counties) were, literally, "under the guns," facing the prospect of losing the protective cloak they've been under since 1953: (when there where only 12 left in the state) if the bill in the General Assembly that would establish a hunting season for bears is passed and signed by the governor, which he's already indicated he would.

I don't know how well they'll bear up once they learn the moratorium is over, that their population, estimated at 267 to 437 ("a drop in the bucket" compared to the quarter million deer running around) stands to be depleted by 25 percent or more; and that they, like their ancestors, will again be stalked by gun-toting hunters and would-be Robin Hoods. (And only for the fun of it, or maybe for a bearskin rug.)

At first, they might be so mad as to consider making a protest march to Annapolis, or blocking the main roads in those two counties, whose residents consider them a nuisance for raiding their garbage cans and bird- feeders. But most likely, they'll just move deeper into the forests, and post sentinels to alert them when "B-day" arrives, so they can hide their cubs to spare them from being killed, by accident or on purpose.

Now, I don't know much about bears. I do know they've been popular features in circuses since the Middle Ages because of their acrobatic skills in performing all kinds of tricks. And that they've been treated cruelly for ages, forced to fight to the death large dogs and gladiators in Roman arenas, and being tortured in a spectacle called bearbaiting, with dogs attacking a bear chained to a stake (still practiced today in China). It was also a popular form of entertainment in Europe and in Puritan communities here until the late 17th century. Puritan leaders finally banned it, not because of the pain the bear suffered, but because the people enjoyed it too much.

If you'll bear with me, here's some facts about them I dug up: that they're the largest of the carnivores (flesh- eating) and yet the least carnivorous (that's comforting to know)... that they're closely related to the dog and the raccoon (so that explains why my dogs act a little bearish at times)... that, except for grizzlies and polar bears, most are as mild tempered as Gentle Ben, and only become violent when their food and young are threatened (there's never been a reported bear attack in Maryland)... that other than during mating season, they're "loners," who prefer to roam in areas undisturbed by humans (Black bears usually stay within an area of 14 square miles, but you'd never convince the residents of those two western counties of that, who believe some of 'em gotta be living right around the corner, and can't wait to blow those moochers away)... that male bears will only share their habitat or den with a female (guess there're all "straight")... that females will mate with different bears, so the cubs in one litter can come from a number of daddies (those hussies!)... that they aren't true hibernators, and on mild winter days will awaken and take a brief stroll outside (that's a lot like the way I spend my winters)... that while they'll eat anything that's edible, their top choices on the menu are ants and honey, with side dishes of bees, roots, berries, seeds, nuts and insect larvae (that doesn't sound too bad, but I'd have trouble swallowing ants and insect larvae)... and that male black bears weigh between 200 and 400 pounds, and females between 150 and 300 pounds (Oh, I'm not so fat after all).

As regards the black bear's future (which bears heavily on my mind), I don't know what can be done to save them, other than Marylanders taking up petitions and writing letters of protest to their legislators and the governor, not that it'll probably do any good. Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news.

I only wish Smokey the Bear was here to lend a helping paw to his family members. If he gave those pushing to remove the ban a big bearhug, they might change their minds. If not, he could always hit 'em over the head with his shovel.