Printer-friendlyAdirondack Black Bears
Black bears are large with black fur; erect, rounded ears; a long, narrow, brown muzzle; and a short tail. An average adult male weighs about 300 pounds while females average about 170 pounds. Black bears are omnivorous, eating grasses, berries, fruit, nuts, seeds, insects, grubs, and carrion, as well as human sources of food like corn, honey, bird seed, trash, and pet food when available.
The Adirondacks are home to the largest black bear population in New York State. If you live or recreate in the Adirondacks you may expect at some time to see, or in some other manner encounter, a black bear. One of the more common encounters occurs when bears obtain food from human sources.
Problems with Black Bears
Typically these negative encounters fall into one of the following categories:
- Bears raiding bird feeders at residences and second homes;
- Bears raiding garbage at residences, second homes and restaurants;
- Bears taking improperly stored food from campers at campgrounds; or
- Bears taking improperly stored food from back country campers.
All of these situations can be avoided through simple changes in human behavior. The the links to the right provide information about black bears - so that you may better understand their behavior; and advice about proper practices - so that you can avoid negative interactions with black bears.
Black bears are an important and natural component of the Adirondack ecosystem. Whether you live or recreate in the Adirondacks, please help maintain and protect the bears, and at the same time protect yourself and your property.
NYSDEC encourages campers to use bear resistant canisters throughout the Adirondack and Catskill backcountry.
Facts About Bear Behavior
Bears are Curious - They spend a great deal of time exploring for food, and this can bring them close to humans.
Bears are Intelligent - Bears learn from experience. If an activity results in food, they will repeat that activity. If an encounter with a human is negative, they learn to avoid humans. Also if an encounter with a human doesn't result in a reward (food), they will not have any reason to have contact with humans.
Feeding Bears Creates "Bad" Bears - When bears learn to obtain food from humans, they can become bold and aggressive.
Feeding Bears is Bad for Bears - Bear's natural foraging habits and behavior can be changed. Usually solitary, bears can be concentrated in areas causing stress, injuries from physical conflicts, and the spread of diseases. Often when feeding on garbage or camper's supplies bears will eat unhealthy materials such as soap, shaving cream, insect repellant, food packaging, etc.
Do Not Feed the Bears - Never deliberately feed bears and avoid unintentionally feeding bears. If you avoid attracting and rewarding bears, you, your property and the bears will all benefit.
Use the links to the right to obtain more detailed information on how to avoid negative bear encounters.
