The White Mountain National Forest Service has received an increased number of reports of bears following hikers in search of food. Courtesy photo/U.S. Forest Service

CAMPTON – Since mid-July, the White Mountain National Forest Service has received near daily reports about food-conditioned bears interacting with hikers and campers in and around the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

Frequent encounters between bears and hikers have occurred along the Lincoln Woods, Bondcliff, Franconia Brook, Lincoln Brook and Black Pond Trails as well as at the Liberty Springs and Thirteen Falls tent sites. Bears that have become habituated to humans are following campers in search of food. In some instances, bears have destroyed tents and backpacks as they look for easy meals. There have also been interactions between bears and dogs.

Campers and hikers should maintain clean campsites and store all food, garbage and aromatic items like toothpaste and other toiletries securely out of a bear’s reach.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, a black bear can reach up to seven feet on its hind legs.

If you are planning a multi-day backpacking trip, you are strongly encouraged to store all food in a bear canister overnight. The Forest Service has several available to use, free of charge, at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center in Lincoln and at the ranger stations in Campton, Gorham and Conway. Established tent sites have bear boxes that, when closed properly, are proven bear-proof storage containers.

If you are approached by a food-conditioned bear, stand your ground. Do not run, turn your back or abandon your backpack. Stand up tall with your arms up high while making noise. If the bear remains undeterred, slowly back away. If you are hiking with a dog, in or around the Pemigewasset Wilderness, it would be wise to keep your pet on a leash.