Maine bear hunting season started this week. But state officials want to make sure hunters take extra precautions due to the recent destruction left by tropical storm Irene.

"With road conditions, especially on the woods roads, remaining hazardous early this week, everybody should do their best to be prepared," Lt. Kevin Adam of the Maine Warden Service said on Monday. "Hunters may want to bring equipment such as chainsaws, ropes and equipment to get vehicles unstuck. It’s also extremely important, with bridges washed out and water levels still in danger of rising, not to navigate waterways unless you are 100 percent sure you can cross them."

General hunting without the use of bait or dogs last from August 29, 2011 through November 26, 2011. This year, hunters are required to submit a tooth from the bear they harvest to a local registration station. Complete bear hunting regulations for the 2011 season are available online.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the state hosts the largest population of black bears in the continental United States. Last year, 3,062 bears were reportedly harvested. 1,199 of the hunters were state residents.

“We only have 4,000-5,000 resident bear hunters in Maine,” state biologist Randy Crosshas said. “But we also have to serve the other 1.3 million people who don’t hunt bears."

Photo by IFW.