(a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any penalty imposed under this section does not apply to an individual who kills or wounds a black bear in defense of the individual’s own life, the lives of other individuals, or the lives of animals, including honey bees in a bee colony managed by the individual, on the individual’s property.
(2) The exemption for an individual that kills or wounds a black bear in defense of a honey bee under paragraph (1) of this subsection applies only to an individual who has installed and properly maintained an electric fence.
(b) If the Secretary adopts any regulation, including an emergency regulation, under § 10–205 of this title or § 10–405 of this subtitle to prohibit the hunting, possessing, selling, purchasing, shipping, carrying, transporting, or exporting of black bears, a person who violates the regulation is subject to the following penalties:
(1) For a first offense, a fine not exceeding $1,500, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both; and
(2) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or both.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 4 - Hunting Restrictions -- in General
Section 10-401 - Hunting, Possessing, and Selling Certain Wild Birds
Section 10-402 - Hunting and Taking Nests and Eggs of Wild and Migratory Birds
Section 10-404 - Hunting, Possessing, Importing, and Selling Game Venison, Birds or Game Mammals
Section 10-406 - Open Season for Hunting and Trapping Fur-Bearing Mammals
Section 10-408 - Department to Regulate Use of Weapons and Ammunition
Section 10-408.1 - Certain Traps Near Residences
Section 10-410 - Restrictions on Hunting Wildlife Generally
Section 10-411 - Hunting on Private Lands
Section 10-412 - Hunting Wetland or Upland Game Birds
Section 10-413 - Restrictions Pertaining to Dogs and Cats
Section 10-414 - Hunting Restrictions Relating to Raccoon and Opossum
Section 10-415 - Deer Hunting -- in General
Section 10-416 - Deer Hunting -- Prohibited Methods
Section 10-417 - Export and Shipment of Game or Nongame Birds or Mammals
Section 10-418 - Clothing Worn by Hunters or Assistants
Section 10-419 - Commercial Use of Dead Seals Prohibited
Section 10-420 - Muzzle Loading Hunting Season for Deer
Section 10-420.1 - Hunting Deer With Certain Handguns
Section 10-421 - Restriction on First Day of Firearms Season for Hunting Deer
Section 10-422 - Interference With Hunters
Section 10-423 - Applicability of Penalty Provisions
Section 10-423.1 - Black Bear Damage Reimbursement Fund
Section 10-424 - Limitations on Hunting or Pursuing Wildlife, Unprotected Birds, or Mammals
Section 10-424.1 - Suspension of License for Violation of 10-424(1)
Section 10-425 - Waterfowl Processing Operations
Section 10-426 - Hunting via Internet Connection Prohibited; Penalty
Section 10-427 - Prohibition on Organized Killing Contests -- Penalty for Violation