News  Bear aware camping

Are you planning a camping trip in Massachusetts? If so, you are camping in bear country. Massachusetts is home to at least 4,500 black bears. They are commonly found in western and central Massachusetts and the population is growing and moving eastward. Black bears will visit RV parks and campgrounds during the camping season in search of food. If they find food, bears will return more often and can become a danger to people. Your actions while camping have a direct impact on bear behavior. Do your part to keep your campsite clean and keep bears wild.

Here are 5 easy ways you can be “bear aware” and prevent bear problems when camping. 

1. Never feed bears and other wildlife.

   Intentional feeding can cause 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. 

2. Stash trash out of sight, smell, and reach of bears.

   Store 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.

3. Secure all food and never store or eat food in tents.

   Store food and beverages in bear-resistant containers where bears cannot see, smell, or reach them. Don’t store food, beverages, or coolers outdoors or on porches or patios. Clean up picnic tables immediately after use and never leave food unattended. Don’t throw food scraps or trash into the campfire or nearby woods. Burn off food on the grill and cover the grill after each use.  

4. Close and lock RV, cabin, and vehicle doors and windows to discourage bear break-ins.

   Bears will break into vehicles or through a screen door to access food they can smell or see. When you leave 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. 

5. Leash and supervise pets outdoors.

   Supervise and leash dogs whenever they’re outdoors. Never let dogs chase or interact with bears as the presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive. Feed your pet indoors or clean up after outdoor feeding. 

Black bears are naturally wary of people, but they can become less cautious if they repeatedly find food around people. By being “bear aware” when camping, you help keep bears wild and make the outdoors enjoyable for everyone. View and share this printable flyer for additional tips for camping in bear country. Visit mass.gov/bears to learn more about black bears in Massachusetts.