As the state’s black bear population keeps growing and moving eastward, more and more residents in densely populated communities are coming across the powerful animals.

Just recently in Brockton, for instance, a black bear was spotted on a home security cam wandering through a backyard in the middle of the night.

So what should you do if you encounter a black bear? MassWildlife officials recommend that residents take a few easy, precautionary measures to help avoid conflicts with bears and other wildlife.

“As our bear population increases, people need to understand what it means to really co-exist with bears,” said Dave Wattles, MassWildlife’s Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist. “People need to change their behavior because bears aren’t going to change theirs.”

In the mid-1970s, the Massachusetts black bear population was estimated at under 100 individuals. Today, the population is estimated to be more than 4,500.

If you see one of these 4,500-plus black bears in your backyard or in the woods, here’s what you should do:

• Stay calm and back away slowly to give the bear plenty of room.

• Bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered or threatened. Don’t run from a charging bear. Speak calmly and slowly back away.

• If a bear is spotted in town, leave the animal alone. In most situations, if left alone, the bear will return to the forest on its own.

• Keep dogs under control and leave the area.

Here are some precautionary tips to not attract bears to your backyard:

• Remove all potential food for bears, including bird feeders, unsecured garbage and compost piles.

• Clean greasy barbecues after each use.

• Feed pets indoors. A barking dog can trigger a bear to become aggressive. Always keep dogs leashed, check your yard for bears before letting your dog out, and never let dogs chase or interact with bears.

• Black bears killing chickens and damaging coops is becoming the No. 1 human-bear conflict in Massachusetts. Installing and maintaining electric fencing is the only way to keep bears out of coops and away from hives.

Here’s bear safety advice for when you’re hiking or camping:

• It’s always important to respect bears and give them plenty of space if you encounter them in the woods.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. Normal trail noise will usually alert bears to your presence and prompt them to move without being noticed.

• Keep pets leashed and supervised.

• While camping, store food and cooking gear in bear-proof containers separate from your sleeping area. Coolers are not bear-resistant.

If you see a bear in a densely populated area, contact the state’s Environmental Police Radio Room at 1-800-632-8075 or the nearest MassWildlife District Office to report the sighting and get advice.