Statewide Bear Surge: Massachusetts Wildlife Officials Report Over 40 Incidents in July Alone

It has been one of those summers. The summer of 2026 has been hot, humid, wet, dry, and at times smoky. It has also been full of bear tales as authorities report a busy bear season statewide.

Massachusetts Environmental Police posted on the agency's Facebook page, "In July, officers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police responded to over 40 bear-related incidents across the Commonwealth."

The incidents have not been confined to traditional bear country in Western Massachusetts, where you'd expect to find the critters, but rather all over the state. As you know, the black bear population has been expanding in recent years in all directions, including the SouthCoast, in search of food and new turf.

Where Are the Bears Going?

Black bears have been found throughout our area in recent years, including in New Bedford and Fall River, and the summer of 2026 has been a busy time for the bears.

Massachusetts Environmental Police Have Their Hands Full With Bears This Summer

Common Attractants and Property Damage

According to the Environmental Police, "From Western MA to Bourne, we received reports across the state of damage to poultry, livestock, and crops, break-ins at buildings, defensive encounters with dogs, and various issues related to dumpsters, trash, campgrounds, picnic areas, and bird feeders."

Some black bears can be rather large, so keep an eye out when hiking or in the woods. Keep in mind, it will be quite a while before the bears hit the sheets for the winter, if at all.

Residents in Northern New England have also noted an uptick in bear sightings this year, prompting authorities to require campers to carry bear spray in some locations.

How to Protect Your Property and Livestock

Environmental Police are advising folks with animals and crop farms to "install electric fencing that is adequately powered and includes baited wires" to help keep bears away.

"This type of fencing, when properly set up, effectively safeguards livestock, poultry, beehives, crops, and trash containers, significantly reducing the chances of recurring bear conflicts," they said.

"Massachusetts is launching a continuous bear hunting season this year, from Labor Day through early December, offering three months of regulated opportunities," according to MEP.