Our black bear population is stirring. These activities create a sharp increase in bear movement across much of upstate New York and increase the chances of encountering a bear.
Black bears are the only bear species that can be found in the wild in New York State.
Although their range in New York is slowly expanding, black bears are primarily found in the Adirondacks, Catskills and along the southern tier. Black bears eat mostly plant material, insects, nuts and berries, but they are opportunists and will take advantage of any alternative food source that is easily accessible, such as pet food or garbage left outside. Recently, there have been several incidents of bears wandering into residential or urban areas. Often the bear becomes frightened by dogs or people and instinctively climbs a tree. If the bear has an escape route, the best thing to do is to leave it alone.