As bear population grows, food scrap composting law increases unwanted human-bear interaction, and feds seek to limit hunting bears with dogs
by Guy Page
Two of Vermont’s five recorded bear attacks in Vermont have occurred in the last 80 days. The latest happened last night in Stratton, a ski/tourist town in Bennington County.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department game wardens and biologists said today are actively investigating a bear attack in Stratton Wednesday, November 2. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the attack and discharged from Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. More information on this active investigation will be released as it becomes available.
Wednesday’s bear attack on a human is at least the second in Vermont this year. Susan Lee, 61, of Strafford, was treated at Gifford Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries after being bitten and scratched by a female bear August 20, game wardens say. The woman and her dogs were attacked by a female attempting to protect her cubs, game wardens say.
Before that attack, there have been only three bear attacks on record.
“Bear attacks are extremely rare in Vermont,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department Bear Biologist Jaclyn Comeau on August 20, adding that the department has records of only three prior bear attacks in the state. “However, at this time of year black bears are moving in family units and mothers will be protective of their cubs. If confronted by a bear it is essential to remain calm and back away slowly, and to fight back immediately if attacked.”
Vermont’s bear population has quadrupled in 50 years. Wildlife officials have been hoping the fall bear hunting season would reduce that number. Legislation to limit the use of dogs hunting bears has so far failed in the Vermont Legislature. However, Vermont hunting groups are protesting similar federal bear-hunting restrictions in the large Silvio Conte Wildlife Refuge in eastern Vermont.
Vermont’s law requiring composting of food scraps also has had the unintended consequence of increasing unwanted bear-human interaction.
Comeau also advises Vermonters to make their yards and homes less food-friendly to hungry bears. “Many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes. With the food scrap ban in effect, Dept. of Fish & Wildlife is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attracting hungry bears,” Comeau said July 6.
“We have been receiving lots of reports of bears on decks, tearing down bird feeders, wrecking beehives, killing chickens, and getting into trash, compost and garbage containers,” said Comeau. “We are offering some guidance on how to compost at home without attracting bears.”