The White Mountains are a popular destination, and bears are present in the region. Recent reports indicate frequent encounters between bears and people, particularly in areas like the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Understanding the local bear population and their behaviors can help visitors safely share the environment.
Bear Species in the White Mountains
The only bear species found in New Hampshire, including the White Mountains, is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). These bears are typically identified by their medium to large size, powerful limbs, and small, rounded ears. While their name suggests a black coat, their fur can range from black to brown, cinnamon, or even a bluish-gray, although most in the Northeast are black. Many black bears possess a brown or tan muzzle, and some may display a small white patch, known as a blaze, on their chest.
Adult female black bears typically weigh between 125 to 150 pounds, while males range from 200 to 250 pounds. They have five toes with claws on each foot and walk on the soles of their feet. Black bears are agile climbers and can run up to 30 miles per hour. They also possess a keen sense of smell and good hearing.
Where Bears Live and What They Do
Black bears in the White Mountains prefer forested areas with dense undergrowth, wetlands, and riparian zones. These habitats provide cover and access to diverse food sources. The extensive forests include a variety of fruit- and nut-producing trees and shrubs. Small openings within the forest promote the growth of berry-producing vegetation, a significant part of their diet.
Black bears are omnivorous, and their diet varies seasonally, adapting to available foods. In spring, they consume grasses and new plant growth. During summer, their diet shifts to items like berries, fruits, roots, and insects. Fall is a time for consuming hard mast, such as beechnuts, acorns, and hickory nuts, to build fat reserves for winter. Bears are active during spring, summer, and fall, often at dawn and dusk, though they may become more nocturnal in areas with frequent human activity.
How to Share the Outdoors Safely
Coexisting with black bears in the White Mountains requires specific safety practices. Proper food storage prevents bears from becoming accustomed to human food. All food, garbage, and scented items like toiletries should be secured in bear-resistant containers, stored in a hard-sided vehicle, or hung at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet horizontally from any tree trunk. Bear canisters are available for loan at ranger stations and visitor centers in the White Mountain National Forest.
When hiking, making noise helps prevent surprising a bear, allowing it to move away. If an encounter occurs, it is important to remain calm and avoid running, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, stand your ground, make yourself appear as large as possible, and slowly back away without turning your back. Keeping pets leashed is also important, as unleashed dogs can provoke a bear. Any aggressive or habituated bear behavior should be reported to forest officials to help manage human-wildlife conflicts.