Hungry Bears Are Out Early in Maine and New Hampshire

In the wilderness of Maine and New Hampshire, the usual tranquility of spring has raised concerns of an unusual sight. There have been multiple reports of bears emerging from hibernation earlier than usual this year, and they are hungry. This is partly due to plants and other food sources that haven't fully recovered from the winter. 

This has residents on edge due to safety concerns. As you likely know, bears typically hibernate during the winter months, relying on their fat reserves to hold them over until spring, when food becomes more plentiful. However, due to a mild winter followed by an early spring, bears have surfaced early this year, venturing out of their dens weeks ahead of schedule and showing signs of a desperate search for food.

Over the last week, it has been quite surreal to have received pictures from family and former neighbors from the neighborhood I grew up in in North Conway, New Hampshire. Although to some, this would be a pretty exciting site to see, it's horrifying for others.

Increased bear-human encounters have raised concerns for public safety. With the lack of natural food sources, bears may resort to raiding bird feeders and garbage cans/dumpsters, and even breaking into homes in search of food. 

Although bears are not know to typically seek out pets as prey, there are circumstances where harmful interactions between bears and pets can occur, and with them being extra hungry this year, it wouldn’t hurt to stay vigilant.