If a human being was entering my backyard nightly and breaking 
up my bee hives and stealing the equipment, I could shoot and kill them 
without being penalized.  But let a bear do it, and I shoot it, I go to 
jail for one to five years!

* * *

I don't know if this is true; I doubt it. However, in NY state it is permissible to shoot and kill a bear if it is wrecking your hives. Maybe you should get the law changed. 

Any bear killing or worrying
livestock on land occupied or cultivated, or destroying
an apiary thereon, may be taken or killed, at any
time, by shooting or device to entrap or entice on such
land, by the owner, lessee or occupant thereof, or any
member of the owner’s, lessee’s or occupant’s
immediate family or by any person employed by such
owner, lessee or occupant. The owner or occupant of
such lands shall promptly notify the nearest environmental
conservation officer, etc

NYS DEC and Cornell Cooperative Extension

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