Hungry bears are "following campers" in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Forest Service says
LINCOLN, N.H. - Bears that are no longer afraid of humans have been trailing campers as they search for food in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
The Forest Service said in a recent statement that it has received reports nearly every day about "food-conditioned bears" interacting with hikers, campers and their dogs in the wilderness around Lincoln, N.H.
"Bears that have become habituated to humans are following campers and begging for food," the Forest Service said. "In some instances, bears have destroyed tents and backpacks as they look for easy meals."
Where are hikers encountering bears in New Hampshire?
The Forest Service said "frequent encounters" between bears and people have been reported in Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff, Franconia Brook, Lincoln Brook, and Black Pond Trails, and at the Liberty Springs and Thirteen Falls Tent sites.
Some hikers might want to avoid those areas altogether, the agency suggests.
"For those planning a hike in the area, but who may not be comfortable sharing the forest with bears that have lost their natural fear of humans, please consider an alternate destination," the Forest Service said.
Bear safety for campers
Wildlife officials say the most important thing hikers and campers can do is to prevent bears from getting to their food.
"Campers and hikers should maintain clean campsites and store all food, garbage and aromatic items like toothpaste and other toiletries securely out of reach of bears, and not inside tents or unsecured campsites," the Forest Service said.
Backpackers on multi-day trips should store all their food in a bear canister overnight, the Forest Service says. Those can be borrowed for free at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center and at the Campton, Gorham and Conway ranger stations.
Proper food storage is critical when hiking in the White Mountain National Forest! There has been a recent surge in bear activity within and around the Pemigewasset wilderness, including along trails and at backcountry tent sites. Bears that have become habituated to humans are following campers and begging for food. The best way to stop this behavior is to ensure these bears receive no more food from people. Therefore, we urge everyone to store their food properly when hiking or camping in the area. If you are planning a multi-day backpacking trip, we strongly urge you to store your food in a bear canister overnight! The Forest Service has several available to use, free of charge, at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center and other ranger stations. If you are approached by a food-conditioned bear, stand your ground. Do not run or turn your back. Stand up tall with your arms up high while making noise. If the bear remains undeterred, slowly back away. In this video taken by a hiker on the Osseo Trail on Sunday, you see a bear unwarily approach the hiker and retreat only after it came within a few feet. This is an example of a bear that has become too comfortable around humans, likely because it associates them with food. This is representative of encounters with food-conditioned bears and demonstrates why there is no need to panic if you find yourself in a similar situation. Video provided by Matt Pohl.
Posted by U.S. Forest Service - White Mountain National Forest on Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Anyone who does encounter a bear is advised to "stand your ground."
"Do not run, turn your back, or abandon your backpack. Stand up tall with your arms up high while making noise. If the bear remains undeterred, slowly back away," the agency said.