PORTLAND (AP) – A referendum to ban the use of bait, traps or dogs to hunt bears in Maine was too close to call Tuesday evening in early election returns that followed a spirited and expensive campaign.

While polls leading to the election showed most Mainers rejecting the proposal, early indicators pointed to a tighter race than anticipated. With 12 percent of precincts reporting, supporters of the ban had 35,461 votes, or 52 percent, and opponents had 32,418 votes, or 48 percent.

“We’re excited about it and we’re looking forward to the rest of the results,” said Robert Fisk, director of Maine Citizens for Fair Bear Hunting, which opposed the referendum.

Activists pushing for the ban painted a picture of out-of-state trophy hunters luring bears with bait buckets filled with stale jelly doughnuts and then shooting or trapping the helpless bears.

Opponents warned of a proliferating bear population that posed a danger to suburban neighborhoods. They also pointed to a loss of revenues for hunting camps if the measure passed.

Bear hunting is allowed in 28 states. Going into Election Day, 11 allowed baiting and 17 allowed hunters to use dogs.

Maine, with a bear population now estimated at 23,000, was the only state to allow hunters to use bait, dogs and traps.

Supporters and opponents intensified TV advertisements in the final days of a campaign that played upon people’s fears of bears and contempt for hunting techniques viewed as unsportsmanlike.