The black bear is the only bear species in New Hampshire. Population estimates range between 4,800 to 5,000 bears statewide. Regional bear densities across the state range between 0.1-1.0 bears/square mile and average 0.5 bears/square mile.
Where are bears in New Hampshire?
Crawford Notch is a major pass through the NH’s White Mountains, and the state park itself spans 5,775 acres. Because of the expansive and unspoiled environment in and around the notch, many species of wildlife can be spotted including deer, Black bears, Wild turkeys, the occasional moose, and many more.
What should you do if you encounter a bear in New Hampshire?
Stand your ground and slowly back away. Enjoy watching black bears and other wildlife from a distance. Respect them and their right to live in wild New Hampshire. Black bears do not typically exhibit aggressive behavior, even when confronted.
Is New Hampshire bear country?
Fish and Game began growing a declining bear population of about a thousand bears to a current population of over six thousand bears. There are now more bears than during colonial times and they occur state wide. New Hampshire IS bear country.
How many black bears are in NH?
New Hampshire: 4,800 to 5,000
New Hampshire has 4,800 to 5,000 black bears. It is the only bear species in the state.
Does New Hampshire have a bear problem?
Spread the word around, the bears are back in town. WMUR reports that as summer is in full swing, black bears are making more frequent appearances in the state of New Hampshire. With an estimated five thousand black bears in the state, encounters with them are inevitable.
Does NH have a bear problem?
The black bear is the only bear species in New Hampshire. Population estimates range between 4,800 to 5,000 bears statewide. Regional bear densities across the state range between 0.1-1.0 bears/square mile and average 0.5 bears/square mile.
Are there mountain lions in New Hampshire?
Mountain Lions in NH
Despite numerous reports, the NH Fish and Game Department continues to have no physical evidence of mountain lion presence in the state. The species that once inhabited the Northeast, known as the eastern mountain lion, is now extinct.
Do barking dogs scare away bears?
Will a dog attract or detract bears? The short answer is, yes. A dog can smell a bear and alert you well in advance that something’s there, which could in turn divert a potential encounter. And a barking dog can discourage a bear from investigating a campsite.
What to do if a bear chasing you?
Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck. Spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. Fighting back usually increases the intensity of such attacks.
Are there wolves in New Hampshire?
Wolves were extirpated from New Hampshire in the early 1800’s. Currently, the closest population of eastern wolves exists in Quebec, north of the St. Lawrence River.
What state has the most bears?
Alaska. Alaska has a larger population of Black Bears than any other U.S. state by far with an estimated 100,000 or more. They are widely distributed throughout Alaska’s forests. Others bears found in Alaska are Brown Bears and Polar Bears.
Is NH a friendly state?
All that cold weather alone is enough to toughen up even the most delicate of souls, but despite their hardy exteriors, New Hampshire locals tend to be friendly and welcoming to outsiders.
What big cats are in NH?
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, two species of wild cats inhabit New Hampshire: the bobcat (Lynx rufus) and the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis).
What state has the most bear attacks?
Alaska is the US state with the most bear attacks.
The most updated bear attacks in Alaska statistics reveal that Alaska accounts for 29.6% of all fatal bear attacks in the US. Alaska is one of the few places in the country that has all three species of North American bears living in it: Black Bears. Grizzly Bears.
Can I shoot a bear on my property in New Hampshire?
You can protect bears (and all wildlife) from being hunted by posting your property. By default, privately-owned land in New Hampshire is open to hunting unless you explicitly prohibit it.
How likely is a bear encounter?
According to the National Park Service, the odds of being attacked by a bear are approximately one in 2.1 million, meaning it’s more likely to be killed by a bee than a bear.
What to do if a bear is in your yard?
Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices. If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as he approaches.
What time of year are you most likely to see a bear?
If you want to give yourself the best chance to see an active bear, September and October are the best months. Bears are most active during this period, preparing for their lengthy hibernation. Some of the most popular activities for bears include snoozing, wandering, and fishing.
How do you know if you have a bear 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.
Do bears try to get into campers?
You might think that bears only attack backpackers and tent campers, but that kind of thinking can get you into trouble. Bears love RVs too and they don’t discriminate between soft-sided RV pop-up tent trailers and hard-sided class A motor homes. If you have something that smells tasty, they’re adding it to their menu.