New Rules Require Bear Spray for White Mountains Campers

Overnight campers in the White Mountain National Forest in Maine and New Hampshire will soon be required to carry bear repellent. New food storage requirements will also take effect for year-round camping.

New Bear Safety Rules Begin May 1

In a statement, WMNF officials said, "Year-round food storage requirements for overnight visitors in the Pemigewasset (Pemi) Wilderness" begin May 1, 2026.

"All overnight visitors in the Pemi Wilderness will be required to store their food, trash, and scented items (such as soap, lip balm, toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable IGBC (International Grizzly Bear Committee) certified bear-resistant canister," according to the WMNF.

"Bear incidents in the Pemigewasset Wilderness area have risen sharply in recent years, largely due to improperly stored food," according to Boston.com.

The new rules seek to reduce the number of "human-bear interactions" by making it more difficult for bears to find food.

"The increase in encounters comes as the wilderness area has grown in popularity," Boston.com reported.

What Campers Are Now Required to Carry

White Mountain National Forest offers a "free canister loan program" at several locations identified in the new policy advisory. The WMNF said the only exception to the canisters "are the bear-resistant food boxes located at the Thirteen Falls Tent Site."

Bear repellent spray can be purchased at Bass Pro Shops, Tractor Supply Co., and some Walmart and Target locations.

Why Bear Encounters Are Increasing

The black bear population is growing rapidly in New England, particularly in Massachusetts, where bears are moving eastward into population centers in search of food.

Wild Massachusetts stated, "The statewide population of bears is estimated to be over 4,500 animals and is growing and expanding eastward." Black bears have been spotted throughout the SouthCoast region, including New Bedford.