Mammal Guest Post

I focus on birds but I don’t pass up a chance to photograph other wildlife. A group of us were heading north to the Connecticut Lakes Region of New Hampshire. The lakes in this area close to the border with Quebec form the headwaters of the Connecticut River that flows south to Long Island Sound and forms much of the Vermont-New Hampshire border. We stopped at a ski area in the White Mountains to observe Black Bears. They like the open ski trails where they can browse on flowers, berries, etc. They are used to the presence of humans because of the workers and people who stop by the parking lots below the ski trails. They glance at us occasionally to make sure we are not encroaching on their space, but otherwise pay no attention to us. We were treated to views of a mother and two cubs that were feeding about 50 yards away from us.

Mom was unconcerned about the cameras and binoculars.

The cubs looked us over for a minute or two and then ignored us as well.

Black Bears are widespread in North America. They are small as bears go. Females weigh 125-150 pounds (57-68 kg) and males weigh 200-250 pounds (91-113 kg). They are generally shy and non-aggressive. They will remain hidden unless they are used to the presence of humans. They can be dangerous if startled or put in situations where they feel trapped or threatened. As with any wild animal, it is wise to give them their space. They are becoming a problem as their population grows and they migrate closer to more populated suburban areas to look for food and territory. The chances of an unintended conflict increase, which is not good for bears or people. Even close to the city, people need to be careful about trash cans and bird feeders if a bear has been sighted in the area.