New York State is home to a thriving population of black bears, the only bear species found within its borders. These adaptable mammals are an integral part of the state’s diverse ecosystems. Their presence is widespread across various landscapes, from dense forests to more semi-rural environments.
Black Bear Presence and Distribution in New York
New York State’s black bear population is estimated at 6,000 to 8,000 individuals in areas open to hunting. Most bears are concentrated in three primary regions: the Adirondacks (50-60%), the Catskills (30-35%), and central/western New York (10-15%).
Historically, the Catskill and Allegany ranges merged due to population expansion, forming the Southern Black Bear Range. This expansion has led to wider distribution, with transient individuals, often young males, sighted in areas like the Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley, and Southern Tier.
Understanding Black Bear Behavior
Black bears are omnivorous. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of foods including grasses, berries, nuts, insects, and carrion. Their diet shifts seasonally, with new plant growth in spring, abundant berries in summer, and a focus on nuts and acorns in the fall to build fat reserves for winter.
Black bears are generally active from late spring through late fall, typically most active during dawn and dusk. While they do not experience true hibernation, they enter a dormant period during winter, usually from October or November until March, April, or May, denning in locations such as hollow trees, rock crevices, or under large tree roots.
These animals are naturally shy and tend to avoid human contact. However, their keen sense of smell, superior to their relatively poor eyesight, makes them adept at finding food sources, and they can learn to associate humans with food. Despite their size, black bears are surprisingly agile, capable of running up to 25-30 miles per hour and are proficient climbers and swimmers.
Safe Coexistence with Black Bears
Living and recreating in black bear country requires specific precautions to prevent encounters and ensure safety. Securing all potential food attractants is important, as bears are highly motivated by food availability. This includes storing garbage in robust, bear-resistant containers, removing bird feeders after April 1 when bears become active, and thoroughly cleaning outdoor grills after each use. Pet food should always be fed indoors.
For those camping or hiking in backcountry areas, using bear-resistant food canisters is recommended, and it is a requirement in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park. Cooking and eating should occur at least 100 feet away from sleeping areas, and food should never be left unattended.
If an encounter with a black bear occurs, remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, make yourself appear large by raising your arms, make noise by yelling or speaking loudly, and slowly back away. If a bear charges, fighting back by targeting its face and nose, possibly with bear spray, is the recommended course of action, rather than playing dead. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal and contributes to human-bear conflicts.
New York State’s Bear Management
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages the state’s black bear population. Their management plan aims to maintain bear populations at levels acceptable to the public while minimizing human-bear conflicts. The DEC monitors bear populations through various methods, including collecting data from harvested bears, tracking non-hunting mortality, and addressing nuisance complaints.
Research efforts, often in collaboration with institutions like Cornell University, utilize methods such as citizen science programs like the iSeeMammals app to gather widespread data on bear sightings and distribution. When conflicts arise, the DEC assesses each situation and employs strategies such as providing public advice through the BearWise program, hazing bears to deter unwanted behaviors, and tagging individuals for identification. Relocating bears is rarely an effective solution, and in situations where public safety is compromised, euthanasia may be considered. Hunting regulations are also a part of the DEC’s comprehensive bear management strategy.