New York State DEC Officials Warn Of Black Bear Activity

Now is the time many people like to take walks in the woods so see all the leaves change color, but you want to be careful because you might run into something you are not expecting....a black bear.

Black Bear Activity Increasing Around New York State

Now is the time when black bears are getting ready to hibernate, so they are very active searching for food. Most black bears will look to consume between 20,000 and 25,000 calories per day to "fatten" up before they enter hibernation.

That means they might wander into areas they normally don't go into to look for food. Black bears will be looking for "easy" meals, meaning they might go where there are humans and try to snag food from campsites and garbage cans in neighborhoods.

Now is the time they are also looking for dens for the Winter, which means they could be more active in wooded areas. If you plan on hiking to see the colors change, you should be alert for bear activity.

What Do Black Bears Eat?

When Black bears are getting ready for hibernation, they are looking to add as much weight as possible, so they will eat pretty much anything. They are omnivorous, eating grasses, berries, fruit, nuts, seeds, insects, as well as human sources of food like corn, honey, bird seed, trash, and pet food when available. You should also keep your trash cans protected if you notice a bear near your home.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A Black Bear?

If there is a black bear in your yard or if one comes close to you on a hiking path, there are some things you can do to scare them away. Bears can be frightened from an area by shouting, clapping your hands, banging pots and pans, and using night lights, strobe lights, or loud music. If the bear doesn't leave right away, maintain a safe distance and contact the New York State DEC and let them know where you saw the bear.