Bears Are Back: Viral Videos Reveal Spike in Sightings—Here’s How to Stay Safe

Lead Wildlife officials nationwide are urging caution after a late-summer spike in black-bear sightings that coincides with Labor Day travel and a shortage of natural food in several regions. Surge in Reports Across Multiple States • Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed new black-bear activity in East Texas on 21 Aug 2025, an area that has not seen regular bear traffic in decades. • Arizona Game and Fish has logged 13 separate reports near Tucson suburbs such as Catalina and Mt. Lemmon since mid-August. • West Hartford, Connecticut leads the state with 329 encounters this year, according to state data released 6 Sep 2025. • Bozeman, Montana reported a roaming bear inside city limits on 3 Jun 2025, prompting temporary school lockdowns. Why Bears Are on the Move Biologists cite three factors driving the 2025 uptick: 1. Early summer drought that reduced berry and acorn crops. 2. Young males dispersing to claim new territories. 3. Garbage and backyard birdfeeders providing easy calories near human housing. Holiday Weekend Risk Labor Day traditionally marks one of the busiest outdoor weekends of the year, and experts say more people on trails plus hungry bears equals a higher chance of human–bear interaction. Massachusetts officials have already asked residents to remove birdfeeders and secure grills after multiple neighborhood sightings on 6 Sep 2025. Safety Tips From Wildlife Agencies • Store trash in bear-resistant containers or locked garages. • Bring pet food, birdfeeders, and grills indoors at night. • Hike in groups and make noise; carry bear spray where permitted. • If you encounter a bear, back away slowly—never run. What to Do If You See a Bear 1. Remain calm and note the bear’s location. 2. Keep children and pets close. 3. Report the sighting to your state wildlife hotline so biologists can track population movement. Outlook for Fall 2025 With bears entering hyperphagia—the six-week period of nonstop foraging before hibernation—officials anticipate sightings will remain elevated through October. Communities are expanding BearWise education programs, and several states are evaluating mandatory trash-lock ordinances to reduce attractants. Bottom Line Whether you live in bear country or plan to travel for the long weekend, simple precautions can prevent conflicts. Stay alert, secure food sources, and give bears the space they need to fatten up for winter.