Bears are having summertime fun in the Bay State.
From delaying school in Arlington by an hour to traversing across the South Shore, all just this week, there is no sign that bears are getting tired of Massachusetts.
The furry beasts are catching the attention of local police departments and animal control officers who are telling the public to stay away from them and let them be.
Needham Police is the latest department to join others in offering residents tips on what they can do to deter bears from their properties. The main tip: Secure all trash and recycling containers and remove bird feeders.
“The Animal Control Officer is doing what he is supposed to do,” Needham Police posted on Facebook Friday. “DO NOT, under any circumstances follow or track the bear. You are causing it undo stress. If it is causing a public safety threat (acting aggressive, attempting to enter homes), then call 911.”
The mere presence of a bear in a populated area is not a public safety threat, and the bear will leave the area on its own, according to state wildlife officials. Oftentimes, a bear will climb a tree to avoid people.
In the mid-1970s, the Massachusetts black bear population was estimated at under 100 individuals. Today, there are at least 4,500 black bears in the Bay State, and their range is expanding eastward, state wildlife officials say.
“It is not unusual for bears to use residential areas, and they are often attracted to yards by bird feeders and unsecured trash,” according to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. “Bears have excellent long-term memory and can remember the location of food sources years after the first visit.”
Norwell Police spotted a black bear in the South Shore town on Thursday. The department said it believes it was the same bear seen in nearby towns, including Plymouth and Pembroke. A bear was spotted again in Norwell on Friday strolling through a quiet neighborhood. It did get a few dogs barking, though.
“The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will only take steps to relocate the bear if it is in danger,” Norwell Police posted on Facebook. “Published reports by local Police Departments and various Facebook groups have said this has not been the case so far. The bear has been very docile and is a sight to see!”
Norwell police had fun offering tips in a creative way.
“Clean and cover all grills! Bear likes the new Traeger pellet grill that Dad just got and burned his $100 rack of ribs in,” the department wrote. “To protect your pets, consider not leaving them outside in your yard alone and when walking a dog, use a leash (so you can control them and remove them should you encounter a bear). The bear is afraid of your little Jack Russell Terrier that thinks he is a bear himself.”
Basically, bear with it.