Black bears are a significant part of New Hampshire’s diverse wildlife. These adaptable mammals contribute to the balance of forest habitats. Understanding their presence helps foster coexistence between humans and wildlife.
New Hampshire’s Bear Population
New Hampshire is home exclusively to the American black bear (Ursus americanus), which has seen a notable population recovery. Recent estimates from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) suggest the statewide black bear population is around 5,800 to 6,000 individuals. This population is distributed across all ten counties, reflecting their adaptability. While historically concentrated in northern and western forested areas, their presence is increasingly common in the more densely populated southern parts of the state.
Monitoring Bear Populations
Wildlife agencies, primarily the NHFG, employ various scientific methods to estimate and monitor the black bear population. A key approach involves analyzing data from harvested bears, including age, sex, and weight, often determined by examining premolar teeth, which is integrated into a change in age ratio model to reconstruct population trends.
Biologists also utilize radio collars and GPS data loggers to track individual bears, providing insights into their survival rates, home range sizes, and habitat use. Den checks gather data on cub production and survival, particularly for female bears, whose reproductive success influences population dynamics. Additionally, bear observation rates reported by deer hunters contribute to allocating statewide population estimates to specific regions.
Factors Affecting Bear Numbers
Several elements influence the size and distribution of New Hampshire’s black bear population. Habitat availability is a primary factor, as bears thrive in large forested areas with diverse food sources and cover. The abundance of natural foods directly impacts their growth, reproduction, and cub survival. Years with scarce natural food can lead bears to seek out human-associated food sources, increasing human-bear conflicts.
Human development and encroachment into bear habitats also play a role, as expanding residential areas can fragment forests and bring bears into closer contact with people. Regulated hunting, managed by the NHFG, serves as a tool to maintain the bear population at sustainable levels and mitigate conflicts.
Coexisting with Bears
Given the healthy black bear population, residents and visitors in New Hampshire must adopt practices that promote safe coexistence. Securing all potential food attractants is important.
- Store garbage in airtight containers indoors until collection day.
- Clean outdoor grills after each use.
- Bring in pet food dishes overnight.
- Remove bird feeders by April 1, or earlier if bears are active.
- When camping, store food in locked vehicles, bear-resistant containers, or hung at least ten feet off the ground and five feet from a tree trunk.
If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm, keep a safe distance, and make noise to make your presence known. Do not run; instead, stand your ground, make yourself appear large, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away. Reporting bear sightings or conflicts to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department helps wildlife managers monitor and address potential issues.