Matthew Dickerson: Black bears and peregrine falcons mark the return of ubiquitous generalists

The number of bears I have seen this year — and seen evidence of around my house — gives testimony to our vibrant and growing black bear population.

Vermont’s black bear population is estimated at 7,000 to 8,500 based on 2022 data, the most recent available, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

Sometime — likely between 3,000 and 2,500 years ago — a Hebrew poet wrote a beautiful nature poem that has, thankfully, managed to survive the centuries, and has come to modern readers as Psalm 104. I say “thankfully” because for many years this ancient p … (read more)

I never have — and with complete confidence can say I never will — be seen “Dancing with the Stars.” As for dancing with the bears, however, that’s another story.

According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes, and with the food scrap ban in effect the department is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can a … (read more)

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is increasing outreach efforts to encourage Vermont residents and visitors to get ahead of an anticipated jump in bear conflicts this June.

In response to the June 8 article about the minors who illegally shot and killed a mother bear: Why do children have guns?

I was horrified to read that a group of minors shot and killed a mother bear, leaving her orphaned cub on its own before it was thankfully rescued and sent to a rehabilitator.

An orphaned, black bear cub was rescued in the Bristol area after a group of local minors shot and killed the bear’s mother on Memorial Day. 

Human-wildlife conflict poses a major challenge for the conservation of carnivore species globally.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says bear hunting season starts in September and reminds hunters about the bear hunting regulations.

High-risk bear conflicts such as home and vehicle entries are being reported more frequently this summer than in previous years, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. 

Making your own compost is an eco-friendly and rewarding way to manage your food waste. But what can you do if your compost bin is being raided by wildlife?

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes, and with the food scrap ban in effect the department is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attr … (read more)

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is receiving reports this spring from across the state of black bears seeking food in yards, outbuildings and livestock enclosures, and the department urges Vermonters to take proactive steps for safely coexisting … (read more)