Camping in the Green Mountains of Vermont & Bears

Black bears live in the Green Mountains.

There are many places to camp in Vermont, from developed campgrounds with electricity and showers to remote campsites in the mountains. Wherever you camp, it is important to be aware of the presence of black bears in Vermont. It is very unlikely that you will see one, and this is a good thing for you and especially for the bear. Bears who become acclimatized to humans rarely do well, as humans are quick to kill any bears that bother them.

Vermont Black Bear Facts

There are between 3,000 and 5,000 black bears in Vermont. A bear can roam over 10 to 20 square miles and run up to 40 miles per hour. The last time a person was killed by a black bear in Vermont was in 1940. Male black bears can weigh up to 400 pounds, and are very hungry when they emerge from hibernation in the spring.

Black Bears Aren't Grizzlies

There are no grizzly bears in Vermont. Grizzlies are far more dangerous than black bears. If you encounter a black bear on a trail or in a campsite, chances are good that it will simply run away. However, that's no reason to get sloppy in the wilderness. Take care with your belongings and especially your food, but don't live in mortal fear of black bears.

Black Bear Eating Habits

Black bears are opportunists, and spend most of their time looking for food. They eat many berries and nuts and other easily accessible forage. But if you leave tasty morsels around your campsite and a bear finds them, he will very sensibly identify your campsite as a source of food.

Camping Practices to Avoid Bears

When you camp for the night, put all of your food into a pack or a stuff sack and suspend it out of a bear's reach. Do this by tying a rope between two trees, 10 or 12 feet off the ground, and suspending the bag between the trees, at least 10 feet from either tree.

You Are in the Bear's Home

The bear was there before you were, and will be there after you go. Behave as you would when visiting anyone's home. Be polite, don't make a nuisance of yourself and don't leave your trash laying around. If the bear tells you to leave, leave. Bears are sensible creatures and most of the problems with bears that make the news are in fact caused by "problem humans" who leave food and garbage laying around where they shouldn't.

References

• Vermont Fish and Wildlife: Black Bear
• Green Mountain Club: The Long Trail
• Virtual Vermonter: Camping in Vermont
• University of Vermont: The Bear Facts