Long Island does not have an established, breeding population of bears. Extremely rare transient sightings of American black bears (Ursus americanus) do occur, generating high public interest. These animals are not part of the permanent local ecosystem, making any appearance a temporary detour from their normal range. The vast majority of New York’s black bear population is concentrated hundreds of miles away from the island’s shores.
Current Status of Bear Populations on Long Island
Long Island lacks the large, contiguous wilderness areas necessary to support a stable black bear population. Black bears require extensive habitats with significant forest cover for foraging, denning, and raising cubs. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) estimates the state’s bear population at between 6,000 and 8,000 animals, mostly residing in the Adirondack and Catskill regions.
The primary bear ranges are well-defined in upstate and southeastern mainland New York, offering uninterrupted space. Long Island, with its high human density and fragmented landscape, is an area where bear occurrences are uncommon. An established population requires the presence of female bears with cubs, indicating successful long-term reproduction. The few black bears that reach Long Island are solitary individuals, not representing a permanent shift in the island’s wildlife.
The Source of Transient Sightings
The black bears occasionally sighted on Long Island are transient males, often young adults dispersing from their birth territories. This dispersal behavior is common as they seek new, unclaimed ranges, especially during the spring and early summer. They are typically moving away from the established Southern Black Bear Range, which includes the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and increasingly, areas closer to New York City like Westchester County.
The journey to Long Island from the mainland requires navigating densely populated areas and crossing significant bodies of water. Black bears are strong swimmers, making the Long Island Sound a navigable obstacle. Alternatively, a bear could travel through the heavily developed New York City boroughs, involving numerous bridges and infrastructure barriers. These animals are opportunistic travelers, often following river corridors or searching for food sources, which occasionally leads them far from their natural habitat.
Public Action Following a Sighting
If a black bear is sighted on Long Island, remain calm and never approach the animal. Black bears are generally timid, and the goal is to encourage the bear to move on without human conflict. Residents should immediately secure all potential food attractants, such as garbage, bird feeders, and outdoor pet food, to prevent the bear from becoming habituated to human sources. A bear that finds no easy meal will typically leave the area.
The sighting should be reported immediately to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) so wildlife officials can monitor the animal’s location. Providing an accurate location and description is helpful for the DEC to assess the situation and determine if intervention is necessary for public safety. If the bear is in a yard or developed space, residents should try to make noise or wave their arms to look larger, which can help scare the bear away.