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Fish & Wildlife, USDA outline Woodstock bear-response program and tools for residents
Summary
Vermont Fish & Wildlife and USDA Wildlife Services described a partnership that centralizes incident reporting, offers loans of deterrent equipment and conducts site visits; officials urged residents to file online reports and secure attractants.
Vermont game warden Chris Loriani and a USDA wildlife biologist told Woodstock residents that a partnership launched in fall 2024 now centralizes bear incident reports and provides technical assistance. The program allows residents to file incidents on the Fish & Wildlife website; those reports trigger email alerts to wardens and USDA staff who can offer site visits and short-term equipment loans.
"As soon as you submit a report, I get an email," the USDA biologist said, describing how the web form channels information quickly to responders. Officials described a free equipment program — electric fencing, mats and noise deterrents — intended for short-term loans so homeowners and businesses can assess whether measures will work on their property. Presenters said site visits are available for repeated or severe incidents, but property access requires a signed USDA form.
