The Long Trail branches off from the Appalachian Trail near Woodstock and then heads in a northerly course for the Canadian border north of Jay Peak. Most of the 272 miles of trail passes through mountainous terrain, including the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest point in Vermont. However, much of that distance passes through big game country, where both moose and black bears live.
Bear Population in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates that the statewide population of bears is around 5,000 and stable. This figure shows a 20 percent increase in the number of bears over the last 10 years, making Vermont a state with one of the larger concentrations of black bears. Most problems with bears occur in the spring as the bears come out of hibernation and begin searching for food. Since bears may roam up to 20 miles a day, this hunt can cover a lot of forest.
A Big Potential Bear Problem
The decline of the American beech tree is a real potential trouble spot for the American black bear. Because of the Beech Bark Disease, the beech tree is in peril. Another few decades without an effective cure for the tree's decline, and this once common tree may become like the American Elm, which is no longer able to survive in the forest. The demise of the beech tree is taking away one of the black bear's favorite foods, the beechnut, and as a consequence forces these wild animals to look for other sources of food.
Fatal Bear Attack
According to the University of Vermont, the last fatal bear attack in Vermont occurred in 1940. By coincidence, the following year the hunting status of the black bear was upgraded to the "big game" category. Overall, it has been estimated that within North America only about 60 documented fatal black bear attacks have occurred on humans in the last 100 years. However, a dozen of those fatalities have happened within the last decade.
Bear Precautions
Backpackers should take all due precautions against a surprise visit by bears that usually occurs at night. These safety measures should include hanging all food and personal hygiene items from a tree, avoiding cooking near the tent, sleeping in clean clothes and never leaving any food items in your tent. In reality, porcupines can be a bigger problem than bears, but experienced north country campers are always careful with any food or personal items that have a strong odor.
Current Situation
Currently, bear problems on the Long Trail are rare to nonexistent despite a healthy bear population in the state of Vermont. The reason for this may be that the Long Trail is such a lightly used trail that the items backpackers carry do not represent a substantial source of nutrition. Bears in search of food are much more likely to be a problem for homeowners, farmers, campgrounds and public dump sites. Also, the state's aggressive bear-hunting policy is good insurance policy against a growing bear population--and conflict with human populations.
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