05/07/2026
Mother's Day is around the corner, and one popular mother this time of year is the mother bear! Black bears are active on our properties this time of year, and you may even come across a mother bear and her cubs while hiking. Mother bears give birth in January and will stay with their young for the first year and a half of their lives, foraging for food and defending them. If you see a lone cub, it’s important to leave it be. Chances are, their mother is close by, looking for food or anxiously waiting for you to leave.
Mother bears are rarely aggressive towards people, but they are protective of their cubs. She may give off warning signs such as huffing or popping sounds, swatting at the ground, or, in some cases, a bluff charge, to warn you that you're too close to her and her cubs. A bluff charge is a defensive move where the bear runs towards you before veering away without contact. If you see that a bluff charge is about to happen, slowly back away while waving your arms in the air and speaking in a calm voice. Never run or turn your back on the bear.
It's important always to remain cautious and respectful of a black bear’s space. Here are a few more tips to follow while hiking in NH this time of year:
🐻Never Feed Bears or Other Wildlife. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in NH because it conditions them to approach humans.
🐻Keep children with you and keep pets leashed and under control.
🐻Stay alert. Do not wear headphones. Cautiously approach any blind corners in the trail.
🐻Respect a bear’s space. Never approach a bear. Alter your hiking route to avoid the bear.
🐻If you encounter a bear, remain calm. Do not run; instead, back away slowly while continuing to face the bear and speaking in a calming voice.
🐻If the bear approaches, make yourself look big by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises.
For more bear facts and tips, visit the NH Fish and Game website:
https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/black-bears-new-hampshire
