New Hampshire’s expansive forests and majestic mountains provide a natural habitat for diverse wildlife, including the black bear. As more people explore and reside near these natural areas, questions often arise regarding human-bear interactions and potential conflict. This overview provides factual information about bear incidents in the state.
Frequency of Bear Encounters in New Hampshire
Direct attacks by black bears on humans are rare in New Hampshire. Fatalities due to black bear attacks have been almost non-existent for centuries, with the last recorded instance occurring in 1784. This highlights the general avoidance behavior of these animals towards people.
While actual attacks are uncommon, reports of human-bear conflicts are more frequent. These conflicts include sightings, nuisance behaviors like bears accessing trash, or property damage. For example, in 2018, there were approximately 800 reports of bear-human conflicts, an increase from 410 in 2017, often linked to food availability. Despite these conflicts, millions of people hike in the White Mountains annually, with most encountering no issues.
Understanding the Causes of Bear-Human Conflicts
Most human-bear conflicts stem from specific behavioral triggers, rather than unprovoked aggression. A common cause is a surprise encounter, where a bear is startled at close range, particularly if it feels trapped. Black bears prefer to retreat when they sense human presence, and making noise while moving through their habitat can alert them to your approach, allowing them to move away unnoticed.
Defensive reactions are another reason for conflict, often involving a mother bear protecting her cubs or a bear safeguarding a food source. Mother bears are not aggressive towards humans, but they will exhibit warning signs like huffing or bluff charges if they perceive a threat to their young. The most prevalent factor contributing to conflicts is the habituation of bears to human food sources. Bears accustomed to finding food near human dwellings, often from unsecured garbage, bird feeders, or pet food, can lose their natural fear of people. This “food conditioning” can lead bears to actively seek out human areas in search of easy meals.
Minimizing Risks During Outdoor Activities
Adopting specific precautions can reduce the likelihood of negative bear encounters during outdoor activities in New Hampshire. Proper food management is key; all food, garbage, and scented items should be secured in bear-resistant containers, hard-sided vehicles, or car trunks. When backpacking, food should be hung at least 10 to 12 feet above the ground and several feet away from tree trunks or other supports. Never eat or store food inside tents.
For those with homes in bear country, removing bird feeders by early spring and securing trash in airtight containers are important steps to prevent attracting bears. Cleaning outdoor grills after use and using electric fencing for poultry can also deter bears.
When hiking, making noise on trails and traveling in groups can help alert bears to your presence, allowing them to avoid the area. If a bear is sighted, maintain a safe distance, make noise, and back away slowly. Should a bear approach or bluff charge, stand your ground, speak calmly, and avoid running. In the rare event of a physical attack, fighting back is recommended. Any aggressive or habituated bear behavior should be reported to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.