New York State’s diverse landscapes, from the Adirondack peaks to the Catskill mountains, provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, often bringing humans and animals into closer contact. Understanding the species that inhabit these regions is important for residents and visitors alike.
Brown Bears in New York
Brown bears are not found in New York State. While brown bear fossils indicate their presence in eastern North America during the Pleistocene epoch, their historical range did not extend to the Atlantic coast. Any brown bears seen in New York, such as those reported in animal sanctuaries, are not part of a wild population. The preferred habitat of brown bears, which includes more open landscapes, differs from New York’s forested environments. Their extirpation from eastern regions occurred centuries ago, primarily due to habitat loss and human activity.
New York’s Bear Population
The only bear species in New York State is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). These bears are abundant, with an estimated population of 6,000 to 8,000 individuals. Over half of New York’s black bear population (50-60%) resides in the Adirondack region, while 30-35% are in the Catskills. The remaining 10-15% inhabit the central-western part of the state, with populations expanding into areas like the Tug Hill, Hudson Valley, and Southern Tier.
American black bears are omnivorous, eating grasses, berries, fruits, nuts, insects, and carrion. Adult males weigh around 300 pounds, while females average about 170 pounds. They are skilled climbers and can run up to 25 miles per hour. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) manages the black bear population through monitoring, promoting hunting, and minimizing human-bear conflicts. This management maintains bear populations at acceptable levels.
Coexisting with New York’s Bears
As black bear populations have expanded, interactions with humans have become more common, particularly in semi-rural and agricultural areas. To minimize conflicts, avoid attracting bears with food. Never intentionally feed bears, as this can lead to them associating humans with food and becoming bolder. Removing attractants around homes is crucial, including bird feeders after April 1, pet food, and garbage. Grills should be cleaned of grease after use to eliminate lingering food odors.
When camping or recreating in bear country, proper food storage is essential. Store food and scented items in bear-resistant canisters or locked vehicles, at least 100 feet from sleeping areas. If you encounter a bear, make noise to announce your presence and avoid surprising it. If a bear approaches, appear large, speak calmly, and slowly back away without running. If an attack occurs, fight back aggressively, targeting the bear’s face, eyes, and nose.