Deer are ghostlike in their effortless movements. Always alert. Dark eyes, peering. Brown ears tuned. If it were not for the occasional leaf crackle under a hoof they could be easily mistaken for shadows. I remain motionless amidst the subtle circus of activity around me. I wait. I watch.

...James Ehler

Vermont's black bear population is estimated to be approximately 3,000-3,500 bears. Black bears are large animals, and they require large, unbroken areas of habitat. Through careful management of habitat, today's Vermont black bear population is robust. But, bears face continuing pressures on their habitats from things like highways and unrestricted development. When these forces break up bear habitat and travel corridors, bears face the challenge of "fragmentation." Habitat fragmentation causes many problems for bears. It restricts them from moving about their home ranges. It reduces their supply of natural food. It increases the chance of collisions with automobiles. Perhaps worst, it cause them to come in more frequent contact with people. If we are able to keep our bear population healthy, we must find ways to prevent and minimize fragmentation of their habitat.