Bears Gone, Forest Service Reopens Hancock Campground In Lincoln

By InDepth NH

The USDA Forest Service reopened Hancock Campground, located on the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln at 8 a.m. Thursday.

The campground was temporarily closed for public safety due to an increase in bear activity.Bears were able to access improperly stored food on several occasions and, as a result, became habituated to humans.

Bears have not been observed in the area during the closure, and Forest Service staff are hopeful the bear no longer considers the campground to be an easy source of food. Staff will continue to monitor the campground and stress the importance of proper food storage.

Campers can avoid conflicts with bears by maintaining a clean campsite and storing food, garbage and aromatic items, like toothpaste and other toiletries, out of reach of bears, and not in your tent or unsecured at your campsite.

If car camping, keep all food and coolers in a building or vehicle with the doors locked and windows rolled up. Visitors who have not properly stored their food risk their own safety and may receive a citation.

Bears were able to access improperly stored food on several occasions and, as a result, became habituated to humans.

This story was originally published by InDepth NH.