Black bear population is spreading across New Hampshire forests

New Hampshire is home to an estimated 5,600 black bears distributed across much of the state, with higher densities in northern and central forests; state monitoring, regulated hunting, and public outreach help keep the population stable and reduce conflicts.

Black bears occupy most of New Hampshire and their range is expanding into more developed areas. The state's forests, mountains, and scattered rural development provide strong habitat for the species. The population is estimated at about 5,600 and has remained relatively stable under active management. As development increases and natural food availability fluctuates, encounters with people have become more common. Key facts: - The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species in New Hampshire, with an estimated population of roughly 5,600 monitored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. - Bears are most abundant in the White Mountains and in northern and central forests, but they are present statewide, including southern areas where habitat is more fragmented. - Management tools include field studies, harvest data, regulated hunting, and public outreach to monitor numbers and help reduce conflicts. - Bears follow seasonal patterns: they typically emerge from dens in spring, feed through summer and fall (including a period of hyperphagia), and den in winter; females commonly give birth while denned. - Movement and dispersal rely on forest connectivity and natural corridors such as ridgelines and river valleys, and bears respond to mast crops, regenerating forests, and other food resources. Summary: Black bears remain a stable component of New Hampshire's forest ecosystems, and statewide management and education aim to maintain balance and limit human-bear conflicts. Officials continue to monitor populations, adjust seasons and regulations as needed, and carry out outreach programs to address changing patterns of bear presence. Undetermined at this time.