Massachusetts Has The Third Highest Black Bear Density In The Country

Summer is in full swing, and bears are everywhere in the Berkshires. A couple of months ago, a video on social media showed a bear running across the Curran Highway in North Adams. On top of that, I almost hit one with my car on Meadow Street in Adams. As bears come out to play this summer, it's wise to know where they hang out the most.

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How do black bears go into hibernation?

Bears enter a deep sleep called torpor, often referred to as hibernation, during winter to endure food shortages. In this phase, they greatly reduce their heart rate, breathing, and metabolism, using fat stores for energy. Unlike true hibernators, they can wake if disturbed. Pregnant females give birth and nurse their cubs in dens. The duration of winter dormancy varies depending on climate and species, with bears in warmer regions experiencing shorter dormancy periods.

Wild American Black Bear Cub in Ontario, Canada.

What Is a Black Bear?

Black bears are primarily black in color, featuring a brown muzzle and occasionally a white patch on their chest. They possess large, well-padded feet and moderately sized, curved claws. Typically, male black bears weigh between 130 and 600 pounds, whereas females generally weigh between 100 and 400 pounds.

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Which regions in Massachusetts experience the highest bear activity?

Massachusetts is the third-highest in the U.S. for black bear density, as reported by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife. Since the 1970s, the bear population has gradually grown, with around 4,500 bears living and breeding in regions like the Berkshires, Worcester County, and northern Middlesex County. Particularly in eastern Massachusetts, especially near I-495, the bears are mostly young males and a limited number of breeding females.

Researching the distribution of black bears across Massachusetts.

Mass.gov

The Black Bear Range includes the habitats in Massachusetts where black bears primarily reside. These regions are vital for their survival and reproduction, offering essential food, shelter, and space for movement and growth. Identifying this range is key to effective conservation efforts and ensuring healthy black bear populations in their natural habitat.

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Read More: Four Minors Accused Of Vandalism At Mass MoCA In North Adams

Ryan Pause - TSM/Canva

Luckily, the bear caught on the Ringcam didn’t cause any problems or disturb the nearby trash.

Massachusetts residents are advised to follow these safety guidelines:

Remove bird feeders that could attract wildlife to the food. Set up suitable electric fencing to protect livestock like chickens and bees. Ensure all loose trash, including dumpsters, is secured to keep bears out.

Keeping your pets on a leash is especially important in bear territory. A barking dog can trigger a bear to act aggressively if it feels threatened. If you have questions or concerns about black bears, reach out to your local MassWildlife office for assistance.