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Be a Good Neigh-Bear, Don't Feed Bears.
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Recent reports of black bears in Marlborough, Worcester, Monson, and Springfield are prompting MassWildlife biologists and the Environmental Police to remind everyone "Don't Feed Bears- Keep Them Wild." Bears have been seen raiding birdfeeders or loafing in trees near homes. "Having emerged from dens in early spring with little in the way of natural foods, it is not unusual for bears to quickly learn that residential areas are ideal locations for an effortless meal of bird seed, suet, pet food, unsecured trash and compost," said Dave Wattles, MassWildlife Bear Project Leader. "Unfortunately, easy and frequent access to these foods can result in bears losing their natural fear of humans, setting up a situation which could be unsafe for both people and bears." To prevent potential conflicts, MassWildlife strongly recommends taking down bird feeders and suet, feeding pets indoors, and using compost bins. Homeowners and food-related businesses are advised to stash trash in secure, closed containers. Homeowners should place trash curbside on the day of pick-up, not the night before, as it attracts bears and other wildlife.
If a bear is seen in a neighborhood, MassWildlife offers the following information for homeowners and local officials:
- The presence of a bear is not a public safety threat. Bears are generally afraid of people and to avoid them, bears will often climb a tree or run away.
- Leave the bear alone. When people stay away, pets are restrained, and the bear feels comfortable, it will climb down the tree or leave the area, finding its way back into the woods.
- Do not try to follow or track the bear. Pursuit not only stresses the animal, but adds to the risk of the bear running into traffic or people.
- Public safety threat? Contact the Environmental Police or MassWildlife. In the vast majority of cases, the presence of a bear in a densely populated area is NOT a public safety threat and bears will leave the area on their own. For advice, local officials should contact the Environmental Police (Radio Dispatch available 24/7, 1-800-632-8075) or MassWildlife (Business Hours, 508-389-6300). These experienced professionals will provide guidance and determine if their Large Animal Response Team should respond based on a standard protocol addressing public safety threats.
For more information on bears including a video on bears and additional tips, visit
Living With Black Bears fact sheet:
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