Bear sightings aren’t uncommon in Massachusetts, where Mass Wildlife estimates there are around 4,500 black bears across the state and that number is growing.
Where in Massachusetts are there bears?
Black bears live and breed in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and west to the Berkshires. Bears, mostly young males and some breeding females, are living in other eastern Massachusetts communities along Route 495. Dispersing young bears and wandering males often find themselves east of Route 495.
How common are bears in Massachusetts?
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are common in Massachusetts with an estimated 4,500 bears residing in the state. They live throughout western Massachusetts and as far east as the I-95 corridor in the northern part of the state.
Are there a lot of bears in Massachusetts?
The state government estimates that there are around 4,500 bears in the state. This number is rising at a rate of about 8% a year. according to Mass Audubon. For years, the established black bear range in Massachusetts only reached the Worcester area.
Are there bears in Essex County Massachusetts?
Residents are urged to remain vigilant as several Middlesex County and Essex County communities have reported multiple bear sightings in the past few weeks. The Massachusetts Wildlife shares the following safety tips: Bird feeders: It is best to not set out bird feeders.
What time of day are black bears most active?
Bear Behavior
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer.
Are there wolves in MA?
Wolves in Massachusetts: 7 grey wolves live at this sanctuary and the public can visit. Published: Aug. 26, 2022, 6:17 a.m.
How do you know if a bear is in your yard?
Black Bear Sign
- Bear Tracks and Trails. Bears walk on the soles of their soft feet, so they often do not leave distinct tracks unless they walk through soft mud or snow.
- Scat / Droppings.
- Marking Trees and Poles.
- Straddle Trees and Bushes.
- Feeding Sign.
- Summer Beds.
- Winter Dens.
What attracts bears to your yard?
Some things that attract bears to your home:
Trash. Human Food. Livestock Feed/Pet Food. Access to Water.
Are black bears active at night?
Behavior: Most bears become active a half-hour before sunrise, take a nap or two during the day, and bed down for the night an hour or two after sunset. Some bears are active mainly at night to avoid people or other bears. Black bears are considered highly efficient hibernators.
Are there grizzly bears in MA?
The only bear species that makes its home in Massachusetts is the black bear (Ursus americanus). It is the largest meat-eating mammal in New England, occasionally reaching weights of 500 pounds.
Are there any grizzly bears in Massachusetts?
Black bears are the only species that live in Massachusetts. But black bears can be brownish, which can be confusing because grizzly bears are also called brown bears. The larger, scarier grizzly (brown) bears do not live anywhere nearby — the closest population is 2,300 miles away in Yellowstone National Park.
Do black bears come out during the day?
Bears are usually active from dawn to dusk, but they may be seen any time of day or night. Bears in many places of high human use have become nocturnal in order to avoid people.
Can I shoot a bear on my property in Massachusetts?
Property damage
Under certain circumstances, landowners, tenants, members of their immediate families, or persons permanently employed by them may kill a bear that is caught in the act of damaging their property.
Are black bears aggressive?
It’s normal to be somewhat alarmed if you come face-to-face with a black bear. But the reality is that black bears are rarely aggressive. Actual attacks by black bears are rare. Knowing how to behave when encountering bears and how rare bear attacks actually are can keep you safe and provide peace-of-mind.
Where in Massachusetts are moose?
Moose can now be found in most of western and central Massachusetts, with occasional sightings in eastern Massachusetts. Moose are an important natural resource in Massachusetts and their recent return is a testament to the state’s high quality wildlife habitat and management.
What scent keeps bears away?
Bears also dislike the strong scent of pine-based cleaners, but avoid using anything with a fresh, lemony or fruity smell. And never mix bleach and ammonia; the combination produces fumes that can be deadly to both people and bears.
Do dogs scare away bears?
Black bears usually run away when dogs chase them. Even the smallest breeds of dogs have scared black bears away. However, bears learn to ignore dogs that are tied up or in pens.
What time of year are bears most aggressive?
Most attacks involve grizzly bears, and occur during summer
The vast majority of attacks (66 percent) involved grizzly bears; black bears account for the other one-third of deaths.
Do mountain lions live in Massachusetts?
There is no evidence of a reproducing mountain lion population in Massachusetts. If you’re still curious, read on to brush up on your mountain lion knowledge. Mountain lions became scarce in the East after a bounty system wiped out most predatory animals.
Are there wild cats in Massachusetts?
The bobcat is the only wild cat now found in Massachusetts. Bobcats are common in the central and western parts of the state, present in the northeast, and expanding into the southeast.