About

Mik, the little Derry Bear, owes his whimsical existence to the wooded area in my backyard. Moving from California to New Hampshire, I was unfamiliar with the rich tradition of New Hampshire maple syrup. When my children started attending Pinkerton Academy and I heard about the forestry program, I discovered their incredible sugar shack, where students make their own maple syrup as part of the curriculum. This sparked my curiosity. Owning a few acres with old maple trees, I wondered—could we make syrup ourselves? Could wildlife drink the sap water before we collected it? The idea of a little bear sneaking sips from a sap canister took root in my imagination, blending humor and nature into a story.

Living in Derry, we’ve seen an abundance of wildlife wander out from the woods behind our home. Turkeys, deer, rabbits, and more frequently appear as part of our daily scenery. Though we haven’t encountered any bears in our yard, we know they’re not far—often spotted crossing roads just a few minutes away. The thought of bears nearby, combined with the sweetness of maple sap, gave rise to the concept of a “Derry Bear.” It was easy to imagine these little creatures emerging from the woods during sap harvesting season, drawn by the sugary water that would later become syrup. For a bear waking up from hibernation, it would be the perfect treat—hydrating, nourishing, and delightfully sweet. (Though, of course, they’d rather not be told it’s good for them!)

From this idea, the Derry Bear truly came to life. They’re not just creatures of whimsy—they belong to the woods and the rhythms of nature in Derry. They appear most often during the maple sap harvest, a magical time that celebrates one of New Hampshire’s most cherished traditions. These little bears embody a connection to the land, the seasons, and the magic of the forest. Mik, in particular, became the perfect representative of the Derry Bears, curious and mischievous, yet kind-hearted and loyal.