American black bears are currently found in Rhode Island, making occasional appearances throughout the state. Black bears were extirpated from the region around 1800 due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting, but they have been steadily making a comeback since the 1990s. Sightings have increased in recent years, confirming a small, but growing, presence of this species. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) advises residents that this wildlife is now part of the local ecosystem.
Identifying Rhode Island’s Bear Population
The only species of bear found in Rhode Island is the American black bear (Ursus americanus), the smallest bear species in North America. These stocky animals typically have black fur, sometimes with a tan muzzle or a white chest patch. Adult males generally weigh between 150 and 450 pounds, while females range from 100 and 250 pounds, though bears with access to human food can grow significantly larger.
Black bears possess non-retractable claws, making them excellent climbers, and they have a keen sense of smell, though their eyesight is poor. The current resident population in Rhode Island is estimated to be very small, likely fewer than ten animals. Most bears observed are transient individuals, predominantly young males searching for new territory.
Sightings are concentrated primarily in the western and northern parts of the state, particularly in the rural areas of Providence, Kent, and Washington counties. This distribution places them near the borders of Connecticut and Massachusetts, which have much larger bear populations. Black bears prefer forested habitats that offer hard mast, such as acorns and nuts, along with access to wetlands and meadows for foraging.
Why Bears Are Establishing a Presence
The presence of black bears in Rhode Island is largely a result of population expansion from neighboring states. Connecticut and Massachusetts maintain robust and growing black bear populations, and young males frequently disperse from these areas to establish new home ranges. This natural process of recolonization is the primary reason for the increasing sightings.
As farms were abandoned throughout the Northeast, the natural regeneration of forests created suitable habitat. Forestland now covers a significant portion of Rhode Island, providing necessary cover and food sources. Black bears are generalist omnivores, consuming a wide variety of grasses, fruits, nuts, and insects, which are plentiful in the state’s woodlands.
Seasonal movements also contribute to sightings, especially in spring and early summer when young males travel extensively after being pushed out by their mothers. Additionally, bears enter a period of hyperphagia in the fall, consuming calories to prepare for winter denning. This intense feeding drive often leads them toward residential areas where easily accessible food sources are found.
How to Prevent Bear Encounters
Most conflicts occur when bears are drawn to readily available human food sources, so prevention centers on eliminating these attractants. Homeowners should secure all garbage in bear-proof containers or store it inside a garage or shed until the morning of trash collection. Putting trash out the night before is a common mistake that invites bears into residential areas.
To minimize attractants, residents should follow several guidelines:
- Bird feeders should be removed between March and November when bears are active, as seeds are a high-calorie food source.
- Pet food should never be left outdoors; if pets are fed outside, bring all food dishes inside immediately after they finish eating.
- Outdoor cooking equipment must be cleaned thoroughly after every use, as residual grease and food particles on grills are highly attractive.
- For those who keep livestock, such as chickens or bees, electric fencing is recommended around coops and apiaries.
Securing all potential food, feed, and garbage is the most effective way to teach bears that residential areas are not reliable foraging grounds.
Protocols for a Bear Sighting
If a black bear is encountered, remain calm and never approach the animal. Bears are generally shy and will usually retreat if they feel unthreatened. If the bear is unaware of your presence, quietly back away and leave the area.
If the bear sees you, avoid running, as this may trigger a chase response. Instead, face the bear, speak calmly, and slowly walk backward to create distance. Making noise, such as clapping or yelling, and making yourself look larger by raising your arms can help deter the bear if it approaches. Report any bear sighting or sign of activity to the RIDEM Division of Law Enforcement at 401-222-3070 to help officials track movements and manage the population.