Black Bear Sightings Rise Seasonally Across Northeast, Colorado Amid Population Growth

Black bear populations and sightings are increasing across several states including Massachusetts, Vermont, Colorado, and North Carolina, driven largely by bears' need to bulk up for winter during the late summer and fall months. In Massachusetts and Colorado, bears are frequently seen near human habitats, scavenging through unsecured garbage, prompting residents and businesses to secure trash and remove food sources to prevent bear encounters. Vermont's black bear population is significantly above the state's target, with estimates between 6,800 to 8,000 bears, nearly double the goal; biologists there have launched a study tracking female bears to understand reproduction rates and habitat influences on population growth. North Carolina officials have issued warnings about increased bear activity due to hyperphagia, advising residents to secure properties and drive cautiously to avoid wildlife collisions. Across all regions, bear attacks on humans remain rare, but wildlife agencies emphasize caution and recommend strategies to minimize conflict, such as keeping pets leashed and avoiding direct encounters. The overall increase in bear populations is attributed to improved habitat conditions and bears' natural behaviors as they prepare for winter, with efforts ongoing to monitor and manage the balance between bear conservation and human safety.