Is The Black Bear Population On The Rise In Central New York?

Campers and homeowners are coming into contact with bears every day. 

Black bears are found in all areas of upstate New York. They prefer forests mixed with open areas and wetlands, farmland, and sometimes corn fields where they can cause considerable damage. They're naturally shy and elusive but with all the reported bear sightings recently do you think the bear population is on the rise?

A few weeks ago we did a story about 'Black Bears Are On The Move ~ DEC Is Asking For Our Help,' then there was a 'Bear On The Loose In Deerfield.' Let's not forget in April a '200-Pound Black Bear Tranquilized In Cortland Died.' It seems to us that the bear population is increasing, and according to the DEC website it is.

New York's black bear population is expanding, causing more bear-human interactions

Here are some tips provided by the DEC to deter human and bear interactions that are dangerous for all involved. Bears learn from experience, and if an activity results in food, they'll repeat that action. If an encounter with a human is contrary, they'll avoid them, but if bears learn to obtain food from humans, they can become bold and aggressive. Remember feeding Black Bears is prohibited in New York.

NEXT: 'Natures Best' in Central New York Photos