Aiming to address a high-density black bear population in the White Mountains

Aiming to address a high-density black bear population in the White Mountains that is well above New Hampshire Fish and Game’s population goal, NHFG is preparing to increase the annual bear take for hunters in the region from one bear to two. Four wildlife management units make up NHFG’s White Mountains region. On April 18, following three public hearings in early April, the NHFG Commission voted on the proposed rule change to allow the taking of a second bear in the White Mountains region, said Andy Timmins, NHFG’s bear project coordinator. A larger bear population in a region can lead to more human-bear conflicts, with risks to both people and bears.