Be bear aware when hiking and camping in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to black bears. Before you hike or camp, learn how to enjoy the outdoors while preventing problems with bears.

Black bears are commonly found in western and central Massachusetts and the population is growing and moving eastward. While black bears are generally cautious and not aggressive around people, hikers and campers should remain alert and take steps to prevent problems for people and bears.  

Tips for hiking:

• Normal trail noise will alert bears to your presence and often prompt them to move without being noticed.
• Always stay aware of your surroundings and consider hiking in a group. 
• Keep pets leashed while on trails. Don’t let dogs chase or interact with bears. The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive.
• If backpacking, never store or eat food in your tent.
• If you encounter a black bear while hiking, give the animal their space and enjoy the sighting! If the bear is unaware of your presence, back away and leave the bear alone. If the bear is aware of you, talk to the bear in a calm voice and back away.  
• If a bear approaches or follows you, make yourself look bigger by putting your arms above your head. Continue to repeat "Hey bear" in a calm voice, back away, and leave the area while monitoring the bear. Learn more about what to do if you encounter a black bear.

Tips for camping:

Black bears will visit RV parks and campgrounds in search of food. If they find food, bears will return and can become a danger to people. Your actions have a direct impact on bear behavior. Do your part to keep your campsite clean and keep bears wild.

Never feed bears

• Intentional feeding causes bears and other wildlife to lose their fear of people. When this happens, bears can become a threat to human safety and may need to be euthanized. 

Secure food and trash

• Stay at campgrounds or parks with bear-resistant dumpsters, trash cans, and food lockers.
• Stash your trash and recyclables in your RV or put it in a dumpster. Do not leave garbage outside. Use bear-resistant waste containers and dumpsters when available. 
• Store food and beverages in bear-resistant containers where bears cannot see, smell, or reach. If necessary, hang food from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 5 feet from the base of the trunk.
• Clean up picnic tables immediately after use. Never leave food unattended. 
• Never store or eat food in bunks or tents.
• Don’t throw food scraps or trash into your campfire or into the woods near your site. Even “harmless” items, like apple cores, teach bears to find food near RVs and camps. 
• Greasy grills attract bears. Burn off food on the grill and cover the grill after each use. Clean or remove the grease pan and do not dump drippings outdoors.
• Store toiletries safely with your food. The scent of perfumes and colognes may attract bears.

Discourage break-ins

• Bears will break into vehicles or through a screen door to access food they can smell or see. 
• When leaving your site, lock doors and windows to RVs, vehicles, and cabins. Always keep exterior doors to RVs and cabins closed, even when you’re there.

Leash and supervise pets outdoors

• Leash and supervise pets whenever they’re outdoors. 
• Never let dogs chase or interact with bears. The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive. 
• Feed your pet indoors or clean up after outdoor feeding.

If you see a black bear at your site

• Bears are usually wary of humans, but they can become less cautious when they repeatedly find food around people. If you see signs of bear activity, check for and secure food sources. 
• If a bear approaches your site, try to scare it away by making loud noises and waving your arms from a safe distance. Do not turn and run. 
• If a black bear makes contact with you, fight back aggressively. Use rocks, sticks, or anything you can to defend yourself. 
• If you’re concerned about the presence of bears, carry bear spray and learn how to safely use it.

  • Note about bear spray: Bear spray (pepper spray specifically made as a bear deterrent) can be an effective tool if you encounter an aggressive bear. For bear spray to be effective, you must be trained and practiced in its safe use. Remember that bear spray will travel downwind to unintended targets, including people and pets. Be aware of local laws that may restrict the carrying or use of bear spray.