Bottlehouse Cabins is an amazing place to see many wild animals that call the White Mountain Wilderness their home. 
Most are docile and harmless as long as you respect their space. Deer are abundant, as are elk, chipmunks and several other squirrels, ravens, many species of hummingbird, ducks and other beautiful birds that share the mountain as a seasonal getaway. Consider yourself amongst the very lucky if you catch a glimpse of one or more wild mustang, black bear, golden or bald eagle and other raptors, or even a mountain lion! While a number of these animals share the forest with us, sightings are very few and far between.
Bottlehouse Cabins is bordered by the Lincoln National Forest. Our cabins are home to many wild animals, including black bears. Bears are generally not dangerous to humans if they are left alone; however, bears are wild animals and can be dangerous and unpredictable. They can become a nuisance or even dangerous if protocol is not followed. It is always recommended to use binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals and never approach a black bear.
Understanding how to safely interact with forest animals is everyone's responsibility! At Bottlehouse Cabins, we provide multiple tools in order to understand bear protocol. We ask that all guests watch the video provided on this page, as well as read BHC Bear Protocol Agreement, which is located at the bottom of this page. This agreement will require a signature upon check in.
The following video was made by the National Park Services to inform people about black bears. Though this video is made for the Smokey Mountains National Park, the information in it applies to all forests that have black bears, including those in the Lincoln National Forest. If you are considering a stay in our cabins, we encourage you to watch this video.
Bottlehouse Cabins Guest Bear Protocol Agreement
Each cabin must adhere to the following procedures to help ensure a safe environment for both the bears and humans.
1) I agree that I have received and read to all in my party the BHC Bear Protocol Agreement.
2) I agree to store all food securely in the cabin and keep cabin doors/windows shut and locked when not at the cabin.
3) I agree to keep all other coolers and/or food containers inside the cabin or safely stored inside my vehicle.
4) I agree to keep all garbage inside the cabin until I dispose of it in the designated garbage cans located in locked wooden bins behind the office.
5) I agree that I will attend BBQ grill at all times while cooking.
6) I agree to remove all food items from outside and clean the grill and picnic tables with bleach water provided and located by the grills.
7) I agree to leave absolutely nothing with an odor outside including but not limited to any spices used for cooking, candy, gum, or breath mints (in or out of wrappers), and/or hygiene items such as perfumes or lotions. All such items will be kept in the cabin.
8) I agree that if a bear is seen on Bottlehouse Cabins property, I will follow Bottlehouse Cabins Bear Sighting Protocol which is the following:
- When in safe place, contact the following:
Game Warden: (575) 336-1822
State Police: (575) 437-1313
9) I understand that there is a likelihood of seeing a bear and other wildlife native to the Lincoln National Forest and, should I feel my party is unsafe and wish to leave, there are no refunds as I was informed prior to my check in of this possibility.