Vermont Considers Longer Bear Season | Montpelier News

Montpelier News Today | 2 Min New | The Daily News Now! · Aug 6, 2026 · 1m

Vermont’s black bear population has exploded past target numbers—now hovering around 8,000 when officials aimed for just over 5,000—sparking serious concerns as bears increasingly invade yards, raid trash, and mess with bird feeders. Despite ongoing deaths from hunting, car accidents, and conflicts, births are keeping pace, fueling the surge. Wildlife officials are now eyeing a dramatic extension of the hunting season to run through deer season, plus allowing hunters to take two adult bears in select zones. A controversial baiting plan was shelved. Two public meetings this month invite…