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Moose standing on rocks in a forest setting.

Wildlife Awareness

Stowe's forests, mountains and waterways are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Spotting an animal in its natural habitat can be a memorable part of exploring Vermont, but it's important to remember that you're sharing the landscape with the animals that call it home. Give wildlife plenty of space, stay aware of your surroundings and know what to do if you encounter an animal while exploring.

Bear sitting on rocks surrounded by greenery.

Be Bear Aware

Black bears are the smallest of the three bear species found in North America and the only bear species found in Vermont. They can be encountered in wooded areas, along trails and occasionally near homes and lodging properties. Black bears are a natural part of Vermont's landscape, and seeing one doesn't need to be cause for alarm. Bears generally prefer to avoid people, but knowing how to minimize interactions and what to do if you encounter one can help keep both you and Vermont's bears safe. A few simple precautions can go a long way.

  • Never approach or feed a bear.
  • Give bears plenty of space and allow them a clear route to leave the area.
  • Keep dogs under control, particularly when hiking in bear habitat.
  • Never intentionally leave food out for bears or other wildlife.
  • Secure garbage, food scraps, pet food and other items that could attract bears.
  • Don't leave food or scented items unattended outdoors or in an easily accessible location.
  • If you encounter a bear while hiking, remain calm, avoid approaching it and slowly increase the distance between you and the animal.
  • Report concerning bear behavior or recurring bear conflicts to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Black bear hugging a tree in a forest.

What to Do If You Encounter a Bear

Black bears typically prefer to avoid people and will often move away when they hear or smell someone approaching. Being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond can help prevent an unexpected encounter from becoming a conflict.

  • Make your presence known. Talk or make noise while recreating outdoors, particularly in areas with limited visibility, to avoid surprising a bear.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to signs of bear activity and any notices about recent sightings.
  • Stay calm and identify yourself. If a bear notices you, speak calmly in a low tone. Saying “Hey, bear” can help identify you as a person.
  • Back away slowly. Give the bear plenty of space and a clear path to leave. Never approach it.
  • Make yourself appear larger, slowly wave your arms, or stretch out with hiking poles.
  • Do not run. Remain calm and slowly move away from the area.
  • Carry bear spray in the backcountry for additional precaution.

More Resources

Winding road through autumn forest with a deer crossing.

Wildlife Viewing

Seeing wildlife is part of the experience of exploring Vermont, but the best wildlife encounters happen from a distance.

  • Observe wildlife from a safe distance and never approach an animal for a closer look or photograph.
  • Use binoculars or your camera's zoom rather than moving closer.
  • Never feed wildlife. Human food can alter animals' natural behavior and create unsafe interactions with people.
  • Avoid surrounding, following or blocking an animal's path.
  • Give animals additional space if they change their behavior because of your presence.
  • Keep dogs from chasing, approaching or disturbing wildlife.
  • Never touch or pick up young wildlife. An animal that appears to be alone may still have a parent nearby.
  • Leave nests, dens and other wildlife habitats undisturbed.
  • If you encounter injured or distressed wildlife, don't attempt to handle it yourself. Contact the appropriate wildlife authorities for guidance.

Wildlife on the Road

Wildlife is common along Vermont's roads, particularly in rural and wooded areas. Animals can enter the roadway unexpectedly, so staying alert is important for both visitor and wildlife safety.

  • Watch carefully for deer, moose and other wildlife, especially around wooded areas and locations marked with wildlife crossing signs.
  • Be particularly alert around dawn and dusk, when visibility is lower and many animals are active.
  • Reduce your speed when driving in areas with limited visibility.
  • Remember that when one animal crosses the road, others may be nearby.
  • Use extra caution during fall and other periods when wildlife may be especially active.
  • If you see an animal in or beside the roadway, slow down and give it space rather than attempting to pass closely.
  • Never stop in an active travel lane to view or photograph wildlife.

Keep Wildlife Wild

Seeing wildlife can be an exciting part of exploring Vermont, especially when it's an animal you may not encounter at home. The best way to enjoy the experience is often the simplest: give wildlife space and let them continue on their way. Wild animals generally want to go about their business without interacting with people, and observing from a respectful distance helps keep both visitors and wildlife safe.

A few simple practices can help keep wildlife encounters just that—wild:

  • Observe wildlife from a distance and use your camera's zoom or binoculars for a closer look.
  • Never approach, follow, touch or feed a wild animal.
  • Avoid blocking an animal's path or surrounding it.

Hunting Season Awareness

Hunting takes place throughout the year in Vermont, with many of the state's most active seasons occurring from September through December. During this time, hunting seasons for deer, black bear, wild turkey and other game may overlap with hiking and other outdoor recreation. Visitors should be particularly aware during Vermont's regular deer hunting season, which takes place during the second half of November and brings more hunters into the woods.

  • Check current Vermont hunting seasons before heading into the woods.
  • Wear bright, highly visible clothing, particularly during fall hunting seasons. Fluorescent or "hunter" orange is traditionally used to signal visibility to hunters and is a great choice for hikers and other outdoor recreationists.
  • Consider bright or high-visibility gear for dogs as well.
  • Keep dogs under control and close to you.
  • Stay on established trails and remain aware of your surroundings.
  • Respect hunters and others sharing public lands.
  • Follow posted signs and respect private property.

Hunting seasons and regulations vary by species and year. Check with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department for current dates and regulations before heading out.

Wildlife is a natural part of Vermont's landscape, but that doesn't mean you'll encounter it every time you head outdoors. There's no need to stress. Being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond is often all the preparation you need.