Officials with the U.S. Forest Service recently announced the temporary closure of a popular recreation spot, the Franconia Brook Tentsite in Lincoln, following a series of disruptive encounters involving a food-habituated black bear. This decisive action underscores the critical need for vigilance and proper wildlife management in high-use natural areas.

The agile black bear caused significant damage across the campsite, tearing through multiple tents and screened enclosures, indicating an escalating pattern of behavior driven by access to human food. Such incidents highlight the challenges of coexistence between wildlife and increasing outdoor recreation activities.

The decision to close the tentsite was made public on Friday, with officials citing the bear’s “escalating behavior” and its habituation to human food sources as the primary safety concerns. The closure will remain in effect until the Forest Service determines that the bear no longer poses a significant safety risk to visitors.

Ensuring public health and safety remains the paramount concern for the U.S. Forest Service. The aggressive actions of the bear on the East Side Trail, which traces the picturesque Pemigewasset River, necessitated immediate intervention to prevent potential injuries or further property damage.

Visitors planning to explore the vast expanses of the White Mountain National Forest are strongly advised to adhere to established wildlife safety protocols. This includes the diligent storage of all food items in secure, locked vehicles or certified bear-resistant containers to deter curious animals.

Moreover, proper waste disposal is an essential component of campsite safety and wildlife protection. All trash should be promptly deposited in bear-proof garbage bins, minimizing attractants that could draw wildlife closer to human activity.

Forest Service officials reiterated the importance of maintaining a meticulously clean campsite. Leaving no food scraps or unattended coolers can significantly reduce the likelihood of bears and other wild animals foraging within camping areas, thereby preventing habituation and dangerous encounters.

The indefinite closure of the Franconia Brook Tentsite serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required for sustainable outdoor recreation. Its reopening hinges on the successful resolution of this wildlife management challenge, ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the forest safely.