Thanks to our guests and staff for these photos of the bear who has been a frequent visitor to the Inn this summer. It is one of the stable population of about 5,000 black bears living in New Hampshire. Now that the berries and apples are ripe, our bear seems to enjoy feasting in the woods near the property, and sometimes takes a stroll or a dip in the river where guests can enjoy this wildlife at a distance. A number of bears have been seen in the Jackson and North Conway areas, but our friend Baxter the Bear seems to be the only one who visits the inn regularly.
Many of our guests have been enjoying the chance to see our local wildlife and to take photos from a distance ~ just remember to not get too close and to be sure that both you and the bear have a clear escape route. Bears typically move away when they hear loud noises, so you can clap your hands or bang metal objects together. NH Fish and Wildlife reminds everyone not to leave bear attractants like food in vehicles or on patios or balconies such as those we have at the inn. (Yes, bears can climb up to balconies, just like trees!) Remember that feeding a bear is against the law and can be punished by up to a $1,000 fine. It also threatens the well-being of the bear, which may have to be destroyed if it becomes a nuisance habituated to human food sources. So keep your eyes open and camera ready when you visit, and you may have a chance to see Baxter!
