Don't Be Caught Unaware Crossing Paths With a Bear

It is that time of year again, when the bears have come out of hibernation, and the Merrimack Police Department has already responded to calls for the report of black bears in residential areas. It appears the bears are feeding off of the resident’s bird feeders, which have not been taken down.

Last year, and in years past, motorists have stopped, exited their vehicles and attempted to photograph the bears. Police are asking that you do not do this, as it causes disruption to traffic, and puts the motorist at risk for injury, both from other motorists, and potentially from the bear(s).

It is important to take down bird feeders and maintain a clean property, so as to not attract the bears.

Police are warning citizens not to approach these bears. It is always important to give wildlife their space and respect. Please follow the attached recommendations if you should happen to have a bear encounter.

What you should do if you encounter a black bear

• 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.
• 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.
• Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground and slowly back away.
• Enjoy watching black bears and other wildlife from a distance. Respect them and their right to live in wild New Hampshire.
• 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

What should I do if I find myself around a mother bear with cubs?
Mother bears are rarely aggressive toward humans, but they are protective of their cubs. A mother bear will usually give many warning signs (huffing or popping sounds, swatting the ground or even bluff charges) to let you know that you are too close. Move away as described above.

Will a bear attack my dog?
Bears will not intentionally attack dogs, but they can sometimes be startled or surprised by a dog if they are sneaking around a house looking for birdfeeders or following the smell of pet food. Bears will often run and tree when disturbed by dogs, but a parting swat can't be ruled out in close quarters. An exception to this would be a large male bear or sow with cubs, which may attempt to fight rather than run away if cornered. Keep your dog on a leash when walking your dog in areas of known bear activity. A mother bear may chase an unleashed dog in the protection of her cubs. The dog will probably run back to you for protection.

Is it legal to feed bears?
People should not feed bears or accommodate their feeding through improper food or garbage storage. Experience in New Hampshire indicates that doing so can enhance the likelihood of property damage, bear/human conflicts, or possibly result in bear behavior that leads to their removal. Purposeful or inadvertent feeding that creates the likelihood of human injury or property damage can result in your being issued a fine, if the attractant is not removed following a request to do so from a Conservation Officer.

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. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding.

Residential prevention

• 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.
• Clean up spilled seed below feeder stations.
• Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Double bagging and the use of ammonia will reduce odors that attract bears.
• Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
• Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in your compost pile.
• Do not leave pet food or dishes outdoors at night.
• Clean up and/or store outdoor grills after use.
• Use a bear-proof dumpster.
• Never intentionally feed bears to attract them to your yard for viewing. Since 2006, it is also illegal to intentionally feed bears.

Information provided by New Hampshire Fish & Game: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/index.htm