News  Report sightings of young bears

To research black bears in central and eastern Massachusetts, MassWildlife is asking residents to report sightings of cubs. The research involves fitting tracking collars on sows (female bears). This is a good opportunity for interested citizens to contribute to wildlife conservation science! If you see a black bear with cubs in eastern Massachusetts, email Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov with the sighting date and a detailed description of the location, with your name and contact information. A biologist will connect with you for more details. To gain a better understanding of movements and populations in eastern Massachusetts, MassWildlife only needs information on sows with young bears from locations in eastern Worcester County, Middlesex County, or anywhere near the I-495 corridor. Population densities are increasing in central Massachusetts, and bear ranges have expanded east of I-495. MassWildlife biologists are monitoring and tagging black bears, but more are needed.

Sow collars help biologists learn about survival and reproductive rates. By recording locations every 45 minutes, they also provide important information about habitat use and movement. Bears are increasingly moving into and raising their young in areas with higher human populations.

Learn more about black bears in Massachusetts.