Winter has officially arrived in Western New York this weekend. As the winter solstice takes place, the days will slowly begin to get longer, though it will still feel like a long stretch of winter ahead. As New York State enters the winter season, wildlife across the region is also transitioning into a new chapter.
Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons Near an End in New York State
Hunting seasons for deer and bear are coming to a close across New York State. For those who spent time in the woods recently, you may have noticed increased wildlife activity. Some hunters even encountered bears late in the firearm season.
Here in Western New York, I know of several hunters who successfully harvested black bears, and some of the bears spotted this season were of impressive size.
Bear Population Continues to Grow in Western New York
The black bear population has steadily increased across Western New York over the past several years. Recently, a bear was even captured on camera in the West Seneca and Orchard Park areas ,locations not typically associated with frequent bear sightings.
These encounters serve as another reminder that winter has not fully taken hold just yet, as bears are still actively moving around in search of food.
How to Reduce Bear Encounters Around Your Home
With bears still on the move, it’s important for residents to take precautions: keep trash secured and to a minimum, avoid leaving food scraps outdoors, remove bird feeders, which can attract bears and other wildlife. Bears will often seek out the easiest possible food source, especially as they prepare for the colder months ahead.
“Bears will readily utilize human-created food sources and repeat access can make bears bolder. This can lead to an increase in human-bear conflicts around homes and residential areas, especially when natural food sources are scarce. Feeding bears intentionally is illegal”.
Embracing Winter Outdoors in New York State
Winter can feel long and challenging, especially if you’re not a fan of cold temperatures and snow. However, as mentioned in previous articles, winter can also be a great time to discover a new hobby that gets you outdoors.
New York State offers plenty of winter-friendly activities, even when snowfall is limited. Hiking and snowshoeing are perfect options for families looking to stay active, and there will be new hiking opportunities becoming available at the beginning of 2026. Winter may be here, but that doesn’t mean outdoor adventures have to stop.
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Gallery Credit: Clay Moden