On Monday June 19th 2017, at approximately 11:49 AM a black bear was observed by residents in the area of White’s Pond. The Concord Police Department would like to remind residents of what to do should they see a black bear in town.
Recently, residents have reported seeing black bears in the Acton/Sudbury/Concord area. A small bear was spotted near the West Concord/Acton town line yesterday.
"We want to remind the community that the sole presence of a bear is not a threat to public safety and should not be the cause of major alarm. If you see the animal in town, remain calm and immediately contact the Concord Police at 978-318-2400 or 911.
If a bear is seen in town:
>Call Concord Police Department at 978-318-3400 or 911
>Leave the bear alone.
>Do not try to follow or track the bear.
Pursuit not only stresses the animal, but adds the risk of having a bear chased out into traffic or a group of bystanders. Bears will often climb a tree to avoid people. Leave the bear alone and it will come down when it feels comfortable doing so. In most situations, the animal will find its way back into the forest if given the chance.
Additionally, per the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife,
Avoid filling bird feeders:
Bears that find a bird feeder will often revisit that site, month after month, year after year. Bird feeders, bird seed, corn and other bird foods can draw bears into closer proximity to people and often result in bears losing their fear of people.
Also insure that all trash containers are securely closed.
If you see a bear in your yard:
Make noise by banging pots and pans, shouting, or using an air horn to try to scare the bear off. Once the bear has left the area, take a close look at your yard for potential bear food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, dirty barbecue grills, open compost, or trash and remove the food sources immediately.
If you come face to face with a bear:
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Remain calm, talk to the bear in a calm voice (try ‘hey bear, hey bear”) and slowly back away and leave the area. If a bear approaches or follows you, make yourself look bigger by putting your arms above your head. Continue to repeat "hey bear" in a calm voice and back away and leave the area while monitoring the bear