Hunting changes proposed as black bear numbers set new records
August 7, 2026 | By Lisa Scagliotti
A bear feeds at a poorly secured dumpster in Eden this year. Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo by S. Chambers
The latest data from Vermont wildlife biologists says the state’s black bear population continues to grow and officials at the Department of Fish & Wildlife are considering expanding the state’s annual bear hunt.
The black bear population is now estimated at 7,500 to 8,900 bears based on 2025 data, the department announced this week. That marks the fifth consecutive year that the bear population estimate is more than double the goal of 3,500 to 5,500 bears, state officials said.
Wildlife officials say that the trend they’re seeing in the bear population growing each year is happening despite successful bear hunting exceeding the 10-year average for the past six years. In fact, in both 2024 and 2025, hunters reported getting more than 1,000 bears, setting new harvest records.
The department uses a statistical model to generate its bear population estimate each year. Factors the model considers include hunter harvest data on the overall number, age and sex of harvested bears, as well as the number of bears killed outside of hunting season, including in vehicle collisions and severe human-wildlife conflicts.
“Our model shows the bear population has remained above our goal of 3,500 to 5,500 bears since 2021,” said Jaclyn Comeau, the department’s lead bear biologist. “Increasing frequency and severity of human-bear conflicts during this time also support the model results of a growing bear population.”
To generate a modest increase in bear harvest, the Fish & Wildlife Board is considering proposals to increase the length of bear season through the end of regulated deer hunting in mid-December and to allow hunters in certain parts of the state with high bear numbers to harvest two bears each season, rather than one. The board will hold two public meetings later this month, one with a hybrid option. Comments also may be submitted online through Sept. 4. Find meeting and commenting details here.
To better understand the drivers of this population trend, the department also launched a new research study on black bear reproduction last year. Initial results of this study are not anticipated until 2031, but once available, it is expected that it will complement the department’s approach to estimating bear population trends.
Meanwhile, state wildlife officials say their message to the public to take steps to safely coexist with bears remains paramount.
“With all signs pointing to sustained growth in Vermont’s black bear population and the number of severe human-bear conflicts reported to our department each year also increasing, we implore Vermonters to redouble their efforts at proactive coexistence with our bears,” Comeau said.
Those steps include keeping trash secured where bears cannot get it, protecting backyard chickens with an electric fence, keeping birdfeeders down until there is consistent snow on the ground, and following composting guidelines. Tips on all of these topics are available on the Fish & Wildlife website and from the organization BearWise.org.
The state’s bear-management strategy relies on Vermonters following these recommendations to do their part in keeping bears as far apart from people as possible. It also involves habitat conservation and a sustainable, regulated bear hunt. Before any changes are made, this year’s bear hunting seasons run from Sept. 1 through Nov. 22