What are the chances of encountering a bear in New York City, and what to do if you do?

There are about 8000 black bears in New York City. They can be seen in the Southern Tier in the fall. Press Connects tells more about these animals.

Paul D. Curtis, a professor at Cornell University, said fall is one of three times of the year when bears are typically more visible to people.

When can you see bears

Before the winter months, when they go into hibernation, bears go through a process called hyperphagia. They need to eat constantly to prepare for hibernation. In rural areas, Curtis says Bears They venture deep into corn fields and eat the crops. However, in urban areas they often approach bird feeders, garbage cans, and other food sources left by people.

"We will see them more often because the clubfoots are trying to find as many calories as possible," the professor explained.

On the subject: New York's wild animals: how to handle them safely

In addition to the fall season, bears are most often seen in the spring after hibernation, when they need to feed again, and during the peak of the breeding season, usually in July.

"The bears are on the move and heading towards their favorite food sources, whether it's a corn field or something else," he said.

How Big Do Bears Grow in New York City

The average weight of an adult female bear in New York City is typically nearly 70 pounds, with adult male bears weighing about 135 pounds. Some of the largest bears, Curtis said, individuals weighed more than 180 kg.

The size of its litter depends on its diet and fat reserves. A healthy female black bear with a good food source will most likely give birth to three cubs, while a female with less food will only give birth to two.

Curtis had heard of cases where four or even five cubs were born, but these were rare exceptions.

Bear population in New York

Historically, there are three bear ranges in the state: the Allegheny bear range in the southwest, the Catskill bear range in the southeast, and the Adirondack bear range in the northern part of the state. Curtis says there are about 4000 to 4500 bears in the Adirondacks. Another 4000 or so live in southern New York.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, bears are now firmly established in the Southern Tier.

"Nobody has exact figures, it's hard to estimate their numbers," the professor admitted, "But the bears seem to be doing very well."

Once confined to small, isolated populations in the state's inaccessible mountainous regions, black bears have recently been managed to dramatically increase their numbers and distribution, moving into more visible areas.

This has led to a need to encourage public awareness of safety in the presence of bears.

Safety rules in the presence of bears

It is important to let the bear know you are there - clap, shout, wave your arms. If you catch him off guard, he may act aggressively.

The most effective way to avoid any conflicts between humans and bears is to keep food, food scraps, grills out of reach, and never feed or approach bears.

Even small food sources, such as a bird feeder, can attract these predators.

It is important to secure hives, apiaries and chicken coops, ideally with an electric fence to keep bears out.

Bears are usually more afraid of people than people are of them, but experts still recommend caution.

More detailed information can be found here.