Hancock Campground in Lincoln closes due to increased bear activity

CAMPTON — Due to an increase in bear activity and for public safety, the USDA Forest Service has issued a closure order for Hancock Campground located on the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln. The campground will be temporarily closed beginning Thursday, Aug. 11, at noon. It is anticipated the campground will remain closed until at least Thursday, Aug. 25. Questions may be directed to the Pemigewasset Ranger District at 603-536-6100.

Campers and hikers can avoid conflicts with bears by maintaining a clean campsite and storing food, garbage and aromatic items, like toothpaste and other toiletries, out of reach of bears, and not in tents or unsecured at a campsite. If car camping, keep all food and coolers in a building or vehicle with the doors locked and windows rolled up. If camping at a remote site, use a bear-resistant canister available at all White Mountain National Forest Ranger District offices for rent at no charge, or use a rope to properly hang these items from a tree. Visitors who have not properly stored their food risk their own safety and may receive a citation. A fed bear is a dead bear. Help protect wildlife.

Violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000.00 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both (16 U.S.C., 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).