Summer drought may increase human-bear interactions in Maryland

The US Geological Survey said on Thursday 22 October 2026 that summer drought may increase negative interactions between people and American black bears in Maryland. The agency said the finding could help wildlife managers identify areas where encounters are more likely.

A National CASC and Maryland Department of Natural Resources study examined 840 negative interactions reported in Maryland across four years, from 2020-2023. The researchers evaluated 15 human-related and environmental factors associated with the reports to understand where and when interactions occurred.

The researchers found that interactions were more likely where bear habitat and human activity overlap. Elevation, distance to large forest patches, and proximity to roads, parks, and human development were among the strongest predictors of interaction risk. Most of the 840 reported incidents involved property encroachment, attractants, and vehicle collisions.

During and after summer drought, predicted interaction risk intensified and expanded into new areas. Without drought, elevated risk was concentrated near population centers in mountainous western Maryland. The researchers said drought can reduce natural food sources and push bears toward alternative food closer to people, including birdseed and garbage bins.

The study found seasonal patterns, with reports peaking in June as bears moved across landscapes for mates and resources. Maryland ranks high nationally in reported interaction incidents per 10,000 people.

The US Geological Survey said identifying areas prone to interactions can help wildlife managers anticipate incidents, direct resources to prevent them, and reduce conflict. The research was supported by the National CASC project on climate variability and change and human-bear interactions in North America.