The American black bear is the only bear species found in New Hampshire. As a large omnivore, the species plays a role in forest ecology, influencing seed dispersal and nutrient cycling across the landscape. Monitoring the size and distribution of the black bear population is important for maintaining ecological balance and informing public safety measures. State wildlife biologists use this information to develop management strategies that address biological needs and mitigate increasing interaction with human communities.
Current Population Estimate and Geographic Range
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department estimates the statewide black bear population at approximately 5,600 to 6,000 individuals. This number represents a substantial recovery from historical lows recorded in the mid-20th century. Population density varies significantly by region, as the bears are not evenly distributed across the state.
The core population remains concentrated in the northern and western parts of New Hampshire, particularly within Coos, Carroll, and Grafton counties. These regions contain the largest blocks of suitable bear habitat, characterized by extensive woodlands and minimal human development. In these northern areas, densities can reach as high as 1.6 bears per square mile, exceeding management targets in zones like the White Mountains region.
The population’s geographic range has expanded considerably over the last few decades, moving southward and eastward into more developed landscapes. Bears are now established in all ten of the state’s counties, demonstrating adaptability to diverse habitats. This expansion is most noticeable in the southeastern region (Wildlife Management Units L and M). Although bear densities are lowest here, their presence in these suburban areas often leads to a higher frequency of human-bear conflicts.
How Wildlife Officials Monitor Bear Populations
New Hampshire wildlife officials rely on a combination of scientific methods to derive the statewide population estimate and assess regional trends. The foundation of the assessment is the analysis of mortality data, gathered from all deceased bears, including those taken by hunters, killed by vehicles, or removed due to conflict. Biologists collect a small premolar tooth from each deceased bear, which is sent to a specialized laboratory for age determination.
The resulting age and sex data are inputs for a statistical model known as the change in age ratio model, which produces the annual statewide population estimate. This model uses the proportion of different age classes within the mortality sample to reconstruct the overall population size, recruitment, and survival rates. The statewide estimate is then spatially allocated to specific management regions using bear sighting reports. These reports are collected through an annual survey distributed to deer hunters, providing a cost-effective index of regional bear presence and density.
Biologists also use radio-telemetry, fitting individual female bears with GPS collars, to verify the vital rates used in population models. Data collected from these collared bears provide direct insight into female survival, reproductive success, litter size, and cub survival. This information helps validate the assumptions built into the population models.
Population History and Management Objectives
The black bear population experienced a severe decline until the mid-20th century, largely due to habitat loss and a century-and-a-half-long state bounty lifted in 1955. By the early 1980s, the population was estimated to be only 1,000 to 1,200 bears, confined mostly to the northernmost counties. This low point spurred a change in policy, classifying the species as a big game animal in 1983 and allowing for scientific management.
The state’s current management goal is to regionally manage the population by balancing biological factors with social and economic considerations. The statewide objective is to bring the current population of nearly 6,000 bears down to a target of approximately 4,800. This objective is approached through a system of regional density goals, which are set to minimize human-bear conflicts in areas with high human populations and development.
Regulated hunting serves as the primary tool for managing population growth, with season lengths and bag limits adjusted regionally to meet specific density targets. For instance, in regions where bear densities are above the goal, such as the White Mountains, the Fish and Game Department may offer expanded hunting opportunities or longer seasons. Reducing human-bear conflicts is also a key objective, addressed through public education and the enforcement of rules encouraging citizens to secure common attractants like bird feeders and garbage.