For Release: Thursday, July 8, 2004
DEC Studying Black Bears in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness
Hikers in the High Peaks Asked to Assist by Reporting Sightings
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that DEC has begun a two-year study of black bears in the eastern portion of High Peaks Wilderness Area. DEC wildlife experts are placing radio collars on bears and tracking their movements to determine the home ranges, seasonal movements, habitat use, and behavior of the bears in the area.
"The number of negative interactions between humans and bears in the Marcy Dam-Lake Colden corridor of the High Peaks Wilderness Area have continued to increase in recent years," Commissioner Crotty said. "The findings of the High Peaks Black Bear Study will be used to develop a nuisance black bear management plan to help protect both the public and New York's bear population."
The primary objectives of the study are to estimate of the number, sex and age, and physical condition of bears using the Marcy Dam/Lake Colden area of the High Peaks Wilderness Area; determine the home ranges, seasonal movements, and habitat use of collared bears in the High Peaks Wilderness Area; and determine the effectiveness of aversive conditioning techniques used on nuisance bears.
In the summer of 2003, there were 170 reported human/bear encounters in which a bear either destroyed property (such as backpacks or tents) or was successful in obtaining food from campers. The DEC has already taken a number of steps to reduce the number of negative human/bear interactions in the High Peaks Wilderness, including:
- Working towards proposing a regulation to require the use of bear resistant canisters in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness;
- Providing information on proper food storage and management practices in the back country; and
- Increasing systematic aversive conditioning of black bears that frequent back country camping areas.
Hikers and campers in the High Peaks Wilderness can assist DEC with the black bear study by reporting all bear sightings and any negative bear encounters, such as the loss of food or damage to camping equipment. When observing a bear, look for color ear tags, color paint markings on its body or any other unique features that may help to identify individual bears. Also note the date, time and location of the sighting or encounter.
Bear sighting reporting forms are available at the Lake Colden caretaker cabin, the trail register kiosk at Marcy Dam, the High Peaks Information Center, from regional DEC staff, and online. Reports may submitted by mailing the forms to NYSDEC, Bureau of Wildlife, P.O. Box 296, Ray Brook, NY 12977, or by calling (518) 897-1291.
In areas where study activities are underway, warning signs will be posted. Although the temporary study areas will be located away from the marked human trail systems, hikers and campers should be advised to avoid the areas and obey the instructions of DEC staff.
In addition to some immediate reduction in negative human/bear encounters in the High Peaks, it is expected that the study will provide information that can be used to develop a long term plan to significantly reduce these negative interactions. Additionally, data on black bear biology in the High Peaks Wilderness and other information gathered will be valuable as a reference for future work on nuisance bears throughout the State.
Visit the DEC website for more information on the High Peaks Black Bear Study and black bears.
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