On October 13, 2020, first reports of a bear being spotted in Atkinson and surrounding towns like Hampstead were reported according to WMUR. New Hampshire Fish and Game officials are trying to track down this bear for the safety of the public and the safety of the bear ever since the 13th. So far, the bear has been spotted in both Atkinson and Hampstead, mainly at houses where there is livestock in the backyard. Officials say that bears are not always attracted to livestock but they can be. Officers are saying that if you spot the bear to please contact the authorities immediately to try and get this problem under control.

As of October 16, four goats have been killed by this bear, as well as other animals. A Hampstead woman went into her backyard when hearing a goat in distress to find the goat being held in the bear’s claws. She began screaming at the top of her lungs in the middle of the night, and the bear did let the goat go seconds before it was about to die, however there are deep and permanent scars on the side of the goat’s body from the claws.

An Atkinson woman was not as lucky however. When she checked in her backyard, the shed where the goats were held had been pried open and two of the goats were missing. One goat has returned back home, but the other has yet to be seen, and hopes are not high for its survival. The bear was spotted on camera by an Atkinson woman whose animals were not harmed by the bear. Wildlife biologist Dan Bailey said, “Last night, we actually had three reports of this bear, two were goat-related, and in one, the bear destroyed some beehives.” This explains that the bear does get around, and most likely is not looking to harm humans in any way, rather he just is looking for some food to stay alive.

According to Fish and Game laws in New Hampshire, any bear that attacks in this way needs to be euthanized. Officials are asking that if anyone spot the bear to please contact your local police and the Fish and Game officials. If you have livestock, it is recommended that you put an electric fence around them to protect from the bear just in case of any more attacks. In conclusion, keep your eyes out for this bear and stay safe.