Messer Pond Fish &Wildlife
Black Bear (Ursus americanus)...
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Bob Crane photographed this handsome bruin in search of food Saturday evening, April 28th, 2007
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Yah Maguire caught this guy (or gal) raiding her bird feeders 2 weeks earlier on the evening of April 14th.
The following are excerpts from NH Fish & Game's website, special article "Something's Bruin in New Hampshire"
Tips
on avoiding unbearable conflicts:
Although black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, they are
opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not
available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on
minimizing human-bear conflicts. The majority of conflicts can be avoided. Here
are some tips on preventing bear problems:
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Take down, clean and put away bird feeders by April 1. Store the bird feeder until late fall. (Birds will do just fine with the natural foods available.) Bear damage to bird feeders is a common and growing spring complaint.
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Clean up spilled seed below feeder stations.
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Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Double bagging and the use of ammonia will reduce odors that attract bears.
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Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
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Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.
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Do not leave pet food or dishes outdoors at night.
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Clean up and/or store outdoor grills after use.
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Use a bear-proof dumpster.
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Never intentionally feed bears to attract them to your yard for viewing.
Black bears are one of New Hampshire's most magnificent big mammals. Although bears are shy and usually avoid humans, they are also opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when there's little natural food available. Their keen sense of smell can lead them to trouble - both for themselves and humans. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts. Take proper care of your garbage to help avoid these conflicts.
What you should do if you encounter a black bear:
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Normal trail noise should alert bears to your presence and prompt them to move without being noticed. However, if you see a bear, keep your distance. Make it aware of your presence by clapping, talking or making other sounds.
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If a bear does not immediately leave after seeing you, the presence or aroma of food may be encouraging it to stay. Remove any sight or smell of foods. Place food items inside a vehicle or building. Occupy a vehicle or building until the bear wanders away.
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Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground and slowly back away.
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Enjoy watching black bears and other wildlife from a distance. Respect them and their right to live in wild New Hampshire.
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Black bears do not typically exhibit aggressive behavior, even when confronted. Their first response is to flee. Black bears rarely attack or defend themselves against humans.
For more information:
Black Bear FAQ's - NH Fish & Game
Black Bear Facts - NH Fish & Game
Messer Pond Protective Association
P.O. Box 103
New London, NH 03257
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