WELCOME! MassBears is a research project based at Amherst College that seeks to explore black bear  distribution and behavior in Massachusetts. We also seek to provide other information about bear movement and conflict with humans. We pass information on to managers to help them make scientifically-informed decisions about managing black bears across the state.

You can help by submitting a sighting or becoming a volunteer who contributes photographs or videos from a fixed camera (trail camera, ring doorbell camera, etc.).

Amherst College students will work to analyze the data you submit. For instance, one student is currently working to model the distribution of black bears in the state, while other students are investigating behavior of bears across the state. Everyone is also always curious about where bears are found, so we also created a sighting map, where you can choose to have your sighting included.

NOTE: We are a research project so if you need assistance on how to deal with a bear in your backyard, etc., you should contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife at 508-389-6300 or Environmental Police Dispatch at 800-632-8075.