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Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
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Wild Massachusetts

Black Bears in Massachusetts

Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Massachusetts and are moving further to the east.

As fascinating as black bears are, on occasion they can cause problems for people. With the increasing number of bears found in many areas of Massachusetts, it is important for residents to brush up on their bear knowledge. Learn how to avoid conflicts by making sure your property and neighborhood are not attracting black bears.

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Prevent conflicts with black bears  Learn about black bears 

What you need to know

Homeowners' and pet owners' guide to avoiding conflicts with black bears  Landlords', restaurants', campgrounds' guide to avoiding conflicts with black bears  Hikers' and campers' guide to avoiding conflicts with black bears  Protect your bees and chickens from black bears  Protect your crops and orchards from black bears  Protect your livestock from black bears 

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Additional Resources

Frequently asked questions about black bears
What to do if you encounter a black bear (PDF 452.03 KB)
Printable quick tips for avoiding bear conflicts (PDF 398.5 KB)
Electric Fence Guide to Prevent Bear Damage (PDF 611.47 KB)
Image credits:  MassWildlife
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