
A black bear avoids traffic as it bolts across Luce Hill Road in Stowe, Tuesday. Photographer, C. Nelson James, of Burlington, grabbed his camera to capture the scene.
"The bear was galloping out in the big field, came against a wood fence, zigzagged toward me, went into a full sprint as it darted across the road and disappeared into the corn field about 50 feet from the Stowe bike path parking lot," James said.
According to Douglas Lawrence, a lieutenant with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Black Bear sightings this time of year are numerous.
"Life is good for them right now. The chokecherries are out, they grow in open areas near roadsides, blackberries are ripe. They are spending all their time eating," Lawrence said.
It is not uncommon to see bears in densely populated area either, Lawrence said. Over time they have been adapting to more development and they quickly learn where they safe and where they're not.
The state estimates current bear population in Vermont at between 3,000 and 5,000. Specialists say their numbers are heavily dependant on each year’s Beech Nut yield. The protein and fat-rich food helps them survive Vermont’s harsh, cold winters.
Those interested in learning more about black bears can visit the
North American Bear Center's website.
Contrary to popular misconception, black bears are highly unlikely to attack humans. In fact, nearly all adult bears die from human-related causes. Most are eventually shot and a few are killed by vehicles. Recently, a motorcyclist hit a bear near the Stowe/Waterbury town line. It is not known what happened to the bear, but the motorcyclist was seriously injured after being thrown off the bike.
Bear hunting season this year begins September 1 and lasts until November 19. - MK