As warming climate brings bears out of hibernation earlier, backyard care is key to coexistence

Vermonters usually put out feeders in the spring to attract birds, but they could attract a far less dainty visitor: black bears. As bears emerge from hibernation, they’re on the search for food and that can lead them to backyard beehives and birdfeeders. Reports of bear incidents in Vermont have grown steeply over the past decade. The state estimates the bear population has risen from between 4,000 and 6,000 bears in 2018 to between 6,500 and 8,000 bears in 2024. Bears are also starting to emerge from their dens in March instead of April. That means Vermonters need to take steps earlier to keep bears out of their backyards.