Eastern Massachusetts is usually known for its bustling cities and suburban landscapes. Recently these suburbs have been getting extra attention because of roaming Black Bears! ROARRRR!
Numerous eyewitness accounts, along with reports from local authorities and wildlife agencies, have confirmed the presence of black bears in the eastern part of Massachusetts. Several sightings have been recorded in and around the Greater Boston area, including suburban neighborhoods and even close to densely populated city centers like Hingham, Arlington and Fall River. Local news outlets and social media platforms have been abuzz with photos and videos capturing these awe-inspiring encounters.
Reasons for Bear Sightings in Eastern Massachusetts
The presence of black bears in Eastern Massachusetts can be attributed to a few things. First, their natural expansion. Bears have increased in population by 8% since last year in Massachusetts. Bears are also expanding from Western Massachusetts and Connecticut because of the food. Bird feeders, garbage bins, and even backyard gardens, has created an attractive habitat for new bears.
Advice for Encountering a Bear
While the idea of encountering a black bear may be exhilarating, it is essential to approach such encounters with caution and respect. Follow these tips to ensure your safety and the well-being of the bear:
- Stay calm and avoid sudden movements: If you spot a bear, try to remain calm and avoid any sudden movements. Bears are naturally curious and may approach to investigate, but they will usually retreat if they sense no threat.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep a respectful distance between yourself and the bear. Experts recommend staying at least 100 yards (91 meters) away to minimize the risk of provoking the animal.
- Do not feed the bear: Never attempt to feed or approach a bear. Feeding bears can habituate them to human presence and cause them to associate people with food, leading to potentially dangerous situations for both humans and bears.
- Make your presence known: If you find yourself near a bear, speak calmly and firmly to let the bear know you are there. This will help avoid surprising the bear and allow it to identify you as a human.
- Back away slowly: If a bear begins to approach you, slowly and calmly back away while keeping an eye on the bear. Do not turn your back on the animal or run, as sudden movements may trigger a chase response.
- Leave the area if necessary: In some cases, it may be necessary to leave the vicinity of the bear. If you are near a residential area, notify local authorities or wildlife agencies so they can ensure the bear’s safety and manage the situation appropriately.
Here Are All Of The Towns Black Bear Have Been Spotted Over The Past Two Months
