Vermont is home to a thriving population of bears, confirming their presence in the Green Mountain State. Understanding their characteristics, behaviors, and how to coexist with them is beneficial for residents and visitors alike.
Black Bears in Vermont
The only bear species found in Vermont is the American black bear, Ursus americanus. These omnivores adapt their diet based on seasonal availability, primarily consuming wild foods such as berries, cherries, beechnuts, acorns, grasses, tubers, and insects. Black bears possess an excellent sense of smell and hearing, which aids them in locating food sources.
Adult male black bears in Vermont typically weigh between 300 and 400 pounds, while females average 120 to 180 pounds. They are generally solitary and shy, often avoiding human contact. They are skilled climbers, using trees for feeding and escaping threats. Black bears are active throughout the day, particularly during dawn and dusk, though those living near human settlements may become more nocturnal. From November to December, bears enter dens to conserve energy, emerging in late March or early April.
Black bears prefer diverse habitats, including coniferous trees, hardwoods, wetlands, and varied terrain. They seek out rough, wooded areas with dense cover and proximity to water sources. Stands of beech and oak are especially important as feeding grounds due to their nut production. Black bears are found across most forested regions of Vermont, with concentrations along the Green Mountains and in the northeastern part of the state. They are present in nearly every Vermont town, except the Lake Champlain Islands.
Living with Vermont’s Bears
Coexisting with Vermont’s black bears involves practices that minimize human-bear conflicts. Securing food attractants is a primary step to prevent bears from associating human areas with easy meals. Garbage should be stored in bear-resistant containers or secured structures, as standard trash cans may not be sufficient. Feeding pets indoors eliminates an accessible food source for bears. Barbecue grills should be kept clean and stored inside, and bird feeders should be removed from late March through December, or immediately if bears are observed.
For chickens or honeybees, electric fences can provide effective protection against bear intrusions. Deliberately or accidentally feeding bears teaches them to rely on human-provided food, leading to increased conflicts and can be detrimental to the bears’ well-being.
If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm. Identify yourself as human by speaking calmly and slowly backing away, ensuring it has a clear escape route. Making yourself appear larger by waving your arms or using hiking poles can deter a curious or unafraid bear. Avoid running or turning your back; bears can outrun, out-swim, and out-climb humans. In the rare event of an attack, fight back by aiming for the bear’s face and nose.
Bear spray can be an effective deterrent at close range if an aggressive encounter occurs. For aggressive bears or property damage, contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Vermont’s Bear Population
Vermont’s black bear population has recovered and remains robust. Based on 2023 data, the estimated population ranges from 6,300 to 7,600 bears. This is a significant increase from early 1970s estimates of 1,500 to 3,500 bears, primarily restricted to mountainous regions.
The population grew consistently from the 1970s through the 1990s, stabilizing in the 2000s with natural fluctuations. Over the past five years, the population increased by an average of eight percent. This success is attributed to decades of research and conservation efforts, including land protection, regulated hunting, and public education on preventing human-bear conflicts. Factors influencing the population size include habitat quality, annual availability of natural food sources like beechnuts and acorns, and the balance of sexes and age groups. Non-hunting causes, such as vehicle collisions, also impact bear numbers.