Is there an increase in bear sightings this year?

Sully · 08-27-2010, 07:45 AM

This is our ninth season on the lake. We are fairly close to Trexlers Marina. Although we've had reason to suspect visiting bear, we have never seen more than a cub one midafternoon about five years ago. This past Monday night at about 8:30PM we heard a crash. It was the birdfeeder we've had hanging on heavy twine over a tree branch for years. We had a quite large bear within two feet of our house (on the lakeside!) enjoying the birdseed. The bear quite nonchallantly stayed for about 10 minutes while my wife and I peered through the window in mild shock. The following night at 6:30PM while driving on Moultonboro Neck Rd about one mile north of Trexler's we found another bear(a bit smaller) standing in the middle of the road. Thus my question, after eight seasons of never seeing a bear, this week we saw a bear TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. Comments would be appreciated and I've learned my lesson......no more feeders until the snow flies!

icg56 · 08-27-2010, 11:44 AM

We had one seen several times earlier this summer on Eagle Shores Road and Reading Lane. First time we had encountered bears during the day.

Greene's Basin Girl · 08-27-2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icg56

We had one seen several times earlier this summer on Eagle Shores Road and Reading Lane. First time we had encountered bears during the day.

We have had bears come through our property during the day for years. We live off Eagle Shore Road.

donnamatrix · 08-27-2010, 01:52 PM

We've had a bear on our FRONT PORCH! I posted the photo on WMUR and they put it on TV. But, we've had bears walk up the driveway, thru the yard, demolish bird feeders, etc. They're beautiful animals.

LIforrelaxin · 08-27-2010, 02:46 PM

First lets start one some things about bears...

--- first they are just fun to watch at a distance.... ok sorry had to sneak that in their...

--- second, their territory is incredibly big. Having watched enough PBS specials Bears will roam quite a bit...

--- as a normal rule they want to stay the hell away from people, hence why you don't see them very often.

--- when people start to see them more often in an area something is wrong!!!!

So what is wrong out on the neck.... Well if you haven't noticed over say the last 10 years, there has been a lot of development, taking away natural habitat where these guys have normally hung out... Unfortunately now that the habitat is gone, the bears need places to forage and get food, unfortunately that means they probably need to relocate. Unfortunately they are stubborn creatures, so they don't want to... as long as bird feeders, and trash bins are accessible they will stick around and not find new territory. Now as concerned people what do we need to worry about...

If these guys start consistently making a visit to your yard, I might be concerned...if you have neighbors that just don't seem to understand and continue to put bird feeder out or leave there trash accessible... well I would speak to them... bottom line is this, once the bears know where a meal ticket is they will keep coming back for more... once they get to used to being in close proximity to humans we are screwed....

At that point, you call the game warden... and let them take care of the now some what domesticated wild animal.

The dumpsters for the Marina's are a huge concern of mine for attracting wildlife.... Quayside and Harilla both have dumpsters for their members... raccoons I know are always in them, it wouldn't surprise me if bears get to them once in a while either....

rick35 · 08-27-2010, 10:40 PM

Anyone ever seen a bear on Bear Island? We've been on the island for years and have never seen one.

Greene's Basin Girl · 08-28-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donnamatrix

We've had a bear on our FRONT PORCH! I posted the photo on WMUR and they put it on TV. But, we've had bears walk up the driveway, thru the yard, demolish bird feeders, etc. They're beautiful animals.

We have bird feeders hanging off our second floor decks. Last fall my husband was awaken to a noise out on the deck. He couldn't see anything so he opened the door. He then saw two huge paws with claws hanging on the railing. The bear was trying to climb up on the upper deck. We have the claw marks on our house that show where he climbed up. My husband loves showing the claw marks when people from urban areas come to visit.

Lakesrider · 08-28-2010, 05:18 PM

I have had several bear encounters in my yard. One so close I almost wet my boxers...Not something I would like to reenact. But I believe it is always the same bear that comes by for a visit. Once in the Spring with a pair of cubs and once or twice each Fall by herself. Every once in a while we stand on our deck in October/November and you can hear grunting in the woods and it sounds like the thing is tearing down a tree or rolling rocks around or something. I just bought a big 2 million candlepower spot light so I can see it this time around.
I'll do my best to get better photos.

Grant · 08-31-2010, 09:29 AM

We had one on our dock during the day a few weeks ago. No one in our house saw it, and it was reported by a neighbor. A week later, a neighbor kayaking by stopped and mentioned that her large composter had been overturned and knock down an incline...too much for a raccoon. Pretty cool. Wish I'd seen it.

fatlazyless · 08-31-2010, 01:06 PM

First time ever for me to see a bear on Meredith Neck. On Sunday, just below where Meredith Neck Rd turns into Cattle Landing Rd at the s-curve, at about 6-pm, saw a 150-200 lb black bear scamper across the road and down through the normally swampy woods, heading toward the uninhabited Camp Monotomy girl scout camp. It looked like a healthy bear, as it crossed the paved road right in front of my car and jogged past the 'no hunting-posted' signs, and down a bear-deer-fox trail, and off into the deep, dark woods.

Probably, it knows enough to head for Bear island, a long time traditional bear, hunting exempt island refuge, as the bear hunting season goes into 'lock & load' on the September 1 start of bear hunting season. Good time for a smart bear to be look'n for leftovers in the island camps.

SteveA · 09-04-2010, 08:07 PM

more exciting things to do.

Who needs dumpsters and birdfeeders when you can do the "Alaskan Pole Dance"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnORbUYjI5c

MJM · 09-07-2010, 08:26 AM

Wolfeboro Neck apparently has a new bear resident....been seen in several yards many times over the past few weeks.

GTO · 09-07-2010, 08:38 AM

In the past 5 years, we have had bear(s) in our neighborhood frequently. This summer alone, there were at least 5 sightings of him walking through yards....in broad daylight. We went skiing at the far end of Blackeys Cove a few weekends ago at about 7 in the morning. We just got down the very end on the left and we all saw the biggest bear any of us had ever seen walking across the shore. This one was full grown. Makes you think twice about taking the dog for a walk in the woods

KBoater · 09-07-2010, 09:20 AM

It could be the Forest Rd bear wandering around.

Senter Cove Guy · 09-14-2010, 06:31 PM

Check this out. This sighting took place in my daughter's backyard in Tuftonboro on 09/07/2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kG63SGB1Zs

Greene's Basin Girl · 09-15-2010, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senter Cove Guy

Check this out. This sighting took place in my daughter's backyard in Tuftonboro on 09/07/2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kG63SGB1Zs

I believe it is bear hunting season right now in NH. I had two walk through my yard yesterday, but I am not saying where this is because I don't want them shot. I like it that the bears continually pass by.

jmen24 · 09-15-2010, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green's Basin Girl

I believe it is bear hunting season right now in NH. I had two walk through my yard yesterday, but I am not saying where this is because I don't want them shot. I like it that the bears continually pass by.

Proper conservation of these animals will allow you to see these animals for generations to come and hunting is the biggest part of that conservation force. Over population creates a recipe for disaster for these animals. Hunters are not the enemy and most are some of the most respectful stewards of the open lands in this state that you will probably ever meet.

There are some that are less than sporting in their pursuit of harvesting game. And for that, I do not blame you at all for not wanting to disclose your location, I would not for my own area.

GBG, please know that I am not condemning your post (your posts give the impression of a pretty fair and balanced person), you have every right to have whatever opinion on the matter that you wish to have. For most hunters, the actual act of harvesting game is the climax to lots of dedication of time and energy. All game animals are respected and honored by the people that choose to persue them. There is more of an emotional connection than you might think.

And to stay on topic, don't feed the bears.

It is a treat to be able to live in an area where you can view these animals in their natural habitat. Even if we are encroaching on it.

Greene's Basin Girl · 09-16-2010, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

Proper conservation of these animals will allow you to see these animals for generations to come and hunting is the biggest part of that conservation force. Over population creates a recipe for disaster for these animals. Hunters are not the enemy and most are some of the most respectful stewards of the open lands in this state that you will probably ever meet.

There are some that are less than sporting in their pursuit of harvesting game. And for that, I do not blame you at all for not wanting to disclose your location, I would not for my own area.

GBG, please know that I am not condemning your post (your posts give the impression of a pretty fair and balanced person), you have every right to have whatever opinion on the matter that you wish to have. For most hunters, the actual act of harvesting game is the climax to lots of dedication of time and energy. All game animals are respected and honored by the people that choose to persue them. There is more of an emotional connection than you might think.

And to stay on topic, don't feed the bears.

It is a treat to be able to live in an area where you can view these animals in their natural habitat. Even if we are encroaching on it.

I am not against hunting. I just hope the bears that I enjoy watching are not shot. My husband is an avid hunter. He hunts deer for a week in NY state and for two weeks in Kansas. I personally would not want to hunt or shoot an animal.

Lucky1 · 09-16-2010, 08:56 AM

Just in case this was not stressed.....Black Bears are not to be mistaken for friendly pets or visitors. They can attack and maul or kill a human easily. Mom's with cubs are subject to being startled and then have been known to attack to protect the cubs.

I do not know what the answer is but think it wise to not have any food around (the squirrels actually ate through the feeding holes in my feeders). Keep any garbage in the garage or in a locked trash bin. Use a light at night to see and prevent walking into an area where there is a bear. We had bears coming to a rental cottage not far away to raid the trash bin for food. I think this was about five years ago.

It can be quite dangerous to startle a large black bear ESPECIALLY ONE WITH CUBS.

Stay safe.

08-27-2010, 07:45 AM	#1
Sully Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 49 Thanks: 110 Thanked 10 Times in 6 Posts	Is there an increase in bear sightings this year? This is our ninth season on the lake. We are fairly close to Trexlers Marina. Although we've had reason to suspect visiting bear, we have never seen more than a cub one midafternoon about five years ago. This past Monday night at about 8:30PM we heard a crash. It was the birdfeeder we've had hanging on heavy twine over a tree branch for years. We had a quite large bear within two feet of our house (on the lakeside!) enjoying the birdseed. The bear quite nonchallantly stayed for about 10 minutes while my wife and I peered through the window in mild shock. The following night at 6:30PM while driving on Moultonboro Neck Rd about one mile north of Trexler's we found another bear(a bit smaller) standing in the middle of the road. Thus my question, after eight seasons of never seeing a bear, this week we saw a bear TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. Comments would be appreciated and I've learned my lesson......no more feeders until the snow flies!

08-27-2010, 11:44 AM	#2
icg56 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 81 Thanks: 3 Thanked 33 Times in 19 Posts	Bears We had one seen several times earlier this summer on Eagle Shores Road and Reading Lane. First time we had encountered bears during the day.

08-27-2010, 01:52 PM	#4
donnamatrix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonboro Posts: 833 Thanks: 24 Thanked 258 Times in 120 Posts	Bears all the time We've had a bear on our FRONT PORCH! I posted the photo on WMUR and they put it on TV. But, we've had bears walk up the driveway, thru the yard, demolish bird feeders, etc. They're beautiful animals.

08-27-2010, 02:46 PM	#5
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,871 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	Some things about Bears First lets start one some things about bears... --- first they are just fun to watch at a distance.... ok sorry had to sneak that in their... --- second, their territory is incredibly big. Having watched enough PBS specials Bears will roam quite a bit... --- as a normal rule they want to stay the hell away from people, hence why you don't see them very often. --- when people start to see them more often in an area something is wrong!!!! So what is wrong out on the neck.... Well if you haven't noticed over say the last 10 years, there has been a lot of development, taking away natural habitat where these guys have normally hung out... Unfortunately now that the habitat is gone, the bears need places to forage and get food, unfortunately that means they probably need to relocate. Unfortunately they are stubborn creatures, so they don't want to... as long as bird feeders, and trash bins are accessible they will stick around and not find new territory. Now as concerned people what do we need to worry about... If these guys start consistently making a visit to your yard, I might be concerned...if you have neighbors that just don't seem to understand and continue to put bird feeder out or leave there trash accessible... well I would speak to them... bottom line is this, once the bears know where a meal ticket is they will keep coming back for more... once they get to used to being in close proximity to humans we are screwed.... At that point, you call the game warden... and let them take care of the now some what domesticated wild animal. The dumpsters for the Marina's are a huge concern of mine for attracting wildlife.... Quayside and Harilla both have dumpsters for their members... raccoons I know are always in them, it wouldn't surprise me if bears get to them once in a while either.... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

08-27-2010, 10:40 PM	#6
rick35 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bear Island/Merrimack Posts: 807 Thanks: 58 Thanked 203 Times in 130 Posts	Bear Island? Anyone ever seen a bear on Bear Island? We've been on the island for years and have never seen one.

08-28-2010, 05:18 PM	#8
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	I have had several bear encounters in my yard. One so close I almost wet my boxers...Not something I would like to reenact. But I believe it is always the same bear that comes by for a visit. Once in the Spring with a pair of cubs and once or twice each Fall by herself. Every once in a while we stand on our deck in October/November and you can hear grunting in the woods and it sounds like the thing is tearing down a tree or rolling rocks around or something. I just bought a big 2 million candlepower spot light so I can see it this time around. I'll do my best to get better photos.

The Following User Says Thank You to Lakesrider For This Useful Post:
Grant (08-31-2010)

08-31-2010, 09:29 AM	#9
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,500 Thanks: 375 Thanked 230 Times in 124 Posts	We had one on our dock during the day a few weeks ago. No one in our house saw it, and it was reported by a neighbor. A week later, a neighbor kayaking by stopped and mentioned that her large composter had been overturned and knock down an incline...too much for a raccoon. Pretty cool. Wish I'd seen it. __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."

08-31-2010, 01:06 PM	#10
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,740 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	First time ever for me to see a bear on Meredith Neck. On Sunday, just below where Meredith Neck Rd turns into Cattle Landing Rd at the s-curve, at about 6-pm, saw a 150-200 lb black bear scamper across the road and down through the normally swampy woods, heading toward the uninhabited Camp Monotomy girl scout camp. It looked like a healthy bear, as it crossed the paved road right in front of my car and jogged past the 'no hunting-posted' signs, and down a bear-deer-fox trail, and off into the deep, dark woods. Probably, it knows enough to head for Bear island, a long time traditional bear, hunting exempt island refuge, as the bear hunting season goes into 'lock & load' on the September 1 start of bear hunting season. Good time for a smart bear to be look'n for leftovers in the island camps. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! Last edited by fatlazyless; 09-05-2010 at 10:00 AM.

09-04-2010, 08:07 PM	#11
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	It seems bears have discovered... more exciting things to do. Who needs dumpsters and birdfeeders when you can do the "Alaskan Pole Dance" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnORbUYjI5c __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

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09-07-2010, 08:26 AM	#12
MJM Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 23 Times in 11 Posts	Wolfeboro Neck apparently has a new bear resident....been seen in several yards many times over the past few weeks.

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09-07-2010, 08:38 AM	#13
GTO Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,085 Thanks: 338 Thanked 349 Times in 161 Posts	more and more.... In the past 5 years, we have had bear(s) in our neighborhood frequently. This summer alone, there were at least 5 sightings of him walking through yards....in broad daylight. We went skiing at the far end of Blackeys Cove a few weekends ago at about 7 in the morning. We just got down the very end on the left and we all saw the biggest bear any of us had ever seen walking across the shore. This one was full grown. Makes you think twice about taking the dog for a walk in the woods __________________ GTO

09-07-2010, 09:20 AM	#14
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	It could be the Forest Rd bear wandering around. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

09-14-2010, 06:31 PM	#15
Senter Cove Guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 596 Thanks: 292 Thanked 429 Times in 140 Posts	Bear Sighting Check this out. This sighting took place in my daughter's backyard in Tuftonboro on 09/07/2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kG63SGB1Zs __________________ Lake Winni - The only place I want to be during the summer.

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09-16-2010, 08:56 AM	#19
Lucky1 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Moultonborough and FL Posts: 459 Thanks: 318 Thanked 123 Times in 53 Posts	Just in case this was not stressed.....Black Bears are not to be mistaken for friendly pets or visitors. They can attack and maul or kill a human easily. Mom's with cubs are subject to being startled and then have been known to attack to protect the cubs. I do not know what the answer is but think it wise to not have any food around (the squirrels actually ate through the feeding holes in my feeders). Keep any garbage in the garage or in a locked trash bin. Use a light at night to see and prevent walking into an area where there is a bear. We had bears coming to a rental cottage not far away to raid the trash bin for food. I think this was about five years ago. It can be quite dangerous to startle a large black bear ESPECIALLY ONE WITH CUBS. Stay safe.