Sticky Bandits Target Maine’s Maple Trees

We’ve heard of hot syrup before, but in Maine, the definition takes on an entirely new meaning.

That’s because in recent years there has been a serious insurgence of scoundrels and thieves that have been targeting the sap from Maine’s maple trees. These sticky bandits, so to speak, have been stealing countless amounts of this sweet cash crop, sometimes using nothing more than a cut-rate tap and an old bucket.

However, Maine Forest Service rangers say that while there has been an overwhelming increase in sap thefts over the past few years, they are not entirely sure what is feeding the epidemic.

"It could be that landowners are more willing to contact us. But it also may be that more people are venturing out into the woods to try their hand at this," said Ranger Thomas.

Whatever is spawning this recent crime wave, it is undoubtedly cutting into a lucrative business in the state of Maine. Last year, the state produced nearly 360,000 gallons of syrup, which ranks it a tie with New York as the second leading producer in the nation next to Vermont.

Interestingly, there appears to be a relatively high demand for syrup on the black market, as organized crime is said to be responsible for a $20 million syrup heist that took place at a Canadian warehouse last fall. Yet, rangers say that the small-time crooks are not just stealing sap, but the use of illegal taps are destroying valuable trees – costing landowners thousands of dollars.

What is strange is that even though sap thefts have become more widespread throughout the state of Maine, rangers say that they are not aware of anyone that has been slapped with criminal charges over their actions. In fact, the one person they caught this year is not in any real legal trouble, but working with the landowner to make good on his sticky indiscretions.

Rangers say that the majority of the problem is due to most people having the preconceived idea that they have the same rights to tap trees as they do things like hunting and fishing.