Black bears in Massachusetts Though Massachusetts is the third most densely-populated state in the country, black bears have been increasing in numbers and distribution since the 1970s. The statewide population of bears is estimated to be over 4,500 animals and is growing and expanding eastward.
Are bears common in Massachusetts?
Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Massachusetts and are moving further to the east. As fascinating as black bears are, on occasion they can cause problems for people.
Do grizzly bears live 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.
What kind of bear are in Massachusetts?
Black Bears
The only bear species that makes its home in Massachusetts is the black bear (Ursus americanus).
Are there bears in Cape Cod?
Bears are extremely rare on Cape Cod. Jason Zimmer, southeast district supervisor with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, told the Times that this current bear “is the second one spotted in Southeastern Massachusetts in 50 years.”
Where are the most bears in Massachusetts?
Black bears in Massachusetts
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.
Are black bears aggressive?
In fact, they are often attracted to people’s food sources or get used to the presence of humans. However, black bears are typically not aggressive and fear the “repercussions of attacking someone,” Garshelis said. “They just don’t want to attack people,” Garsheilis said. “They’re kind of timid animals.”
What states have no bears?
Where do black bears live? They are in many U.S. states and every part of Canada except Prince Edward Island. They mostly inhabit forested areas and mountain regions.
Are there moose in Massachusetts?
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.
Are there bear on Martha’s Vineyard?
Today the Polar Bears of Martha’s Vineyard, like their namesake at the North Pole, face both an environmental challenge as well as continued survival as a group of aging Bears. Though no statistical data has been collected, some say the average age of the Polar Bears is 65.
What to do if you see a bear?
Remain still; stand your ground but slowly wave your arms. Help the bear recognize you as a human. It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.
What time of day are black bears most active?
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. Bears choose a denning site with the coming of cold weather.
What time of day are bears most active?
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.
Are there Bobcats on Cape Cod?
(NECN) – State biologists have confirmed the first-ever documented bobcat sighting on Cape Cod. Chris Leboeuf of North Falmouth, Mass.
Are there bears in Provincetown MA?
Provincetown Bear Week is the largest gathering of bears in the world. Tens of thousands come to Provincetown during this annual event to go to parties, bars, and clubs throughout the town.
What kind of wildlife is in Cape Cod?
Over 450 species of wildlife call Cape Cod home, many of which remain in winter, including rabbit, deer, red fox, coyote, wild turkey, bat, skunk, any number of bird species, and many others. There are innumerable farms, parks, conservation areas and hiking trails that welcome winter visitors.
Are bobcats 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.
Are there grizzly bears in New Hampshire?
The black bear is the only bear species in New Hampshire.
Are there grizzly bears in Maine?
Grizzlies don’t live in Maine, though, so its identification was simple. “It’s a brown phase that we rarely see on the East Coast. Occasionally we see it in Maine. I would call it ‘chocolate’ color phase,” said Cross, who said he thought just 1 in 5,000 Maine bears would have similar coloration.
Which bear kills the most humans?
Most fatal attacks by black bears have been judged as predatory. Bear researcher Stephen Herrero determined that in black bear attacks, the bear acted as a predator in 88 percent of fatal incidents.
What are bears afraid of?
The vast majority of bears are too afraid of humans to come near them, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, bears overcome their fear of humans and will approach people or campsites. The main reason bears will overcome their fear of humans is because of food rewards.