White Mountain National Forest is experiencing an uptick in bear encounters, as food-conditioned bears are increasingly interacting with hikers and campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness.

According to the forest staff, since mid-July, these bears have been spotted almost daily along popular trails and campsites, including 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 grown accustomed to human presence are now trailing campers and begging for food from them.

“So far we’ve received 6 reports from the Pemi portion of the national forest from just five days,” said Colleen Mainville, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, in an email. “Campgrounds across the forest are also reporting bear interactions. Across the entire national forest we’ve had 32 reports.

There have also been reports of bears interacting with dogs, which has heightened concerns. Forest staff advises keeping dogs leashed while hiking to ensure safety and prevent potential encounters.

Campers are advised to keep their campsites clean and secure all food, garbage, and aromatic items like toothpaste in bear-proof containers. Food should never be kept inside tents or left unsecured at campsites

For those embarking on multi-day backpacking trips, the use of bear canisters is highly recommended. These canisters, available for free at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center, as well as at the Campton, Gorham, and Conway ranger stations, are designed to keep food out of reach of bears.

Established tent sites are also equipped with bear boxes, which, when used properly, provide an effective deterrent against bear intrusions.

In the event of a bear encounter, visitors should stand their ground and avoid turning their backs or abandoning their backpacks. Instead, they should stand tall with arms raised and make noise to deter the bear.

If the bear remains unfazed, slowly back away. Hikers with dogs should exercise additional caution.