Environment

Wildife officials warn: Black bears are coming out of hibernation

New England officials ask residents to take precautions as black bears emerge from their dens looking for food.

A black bear wandered into a Pawtucket, Rhode Island, neighborhood in June.
A black bear wandered into a Pawtucket, Rhode Island, neighborhood in June of 2023. Cheryl Bergmann

By Adora Brown

1 minute to read

MassWildlife reports that black bears are coming out of hibernation.

Officials warn residents of Worcester County, Middlesex County, and western Mass. that bears will emerge from their dens looking for food. At least 4,500 black bears will be moving eastward as the month concludes. 

The same warning went out to residents of New Hampshire from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Wildlife Division. Both New Hampshire and Massachusetts had a lower crop this year of hard mast, like acorns and nuts. So, bears will be seeking out different food sources, likely in your backyard. 

MassWildlife lists a few key pieces of advice to keep you and your family safe. 

  1. Take down bird feeders. Bears are attracted to them as an easy food source, but it can also attract other wildlife that bears prey on. 
  2. Secure all food sources. This includes garbage cans, pet food dishes, beehives, livestock, and chicken coops. Officials recommend using electric fencing around livestock or beehives to keep them safe. And around April, garbage should be put out the morning of pickup rather than the night before. 
  3. Protect your pets. Check for bears before you let your dog or other pet out in the yard, and if you are unsure, keep pets on a leash. Never let pets interact with or chase after bears. 

According to NHFG, 25% of human-bear interactions occur because of the presence of a bird feeder. The other most common attractants are unsecured poultry (23%) and unsecured garbage (38%). Both Mass. and New Hampshire wildlife officials ask residents to take these precautions to ensure their own safety. 

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