Image from Facebook user Jeannie Green Patrizi of Jamestown.
JAMESTOWN – A black bear sighting on the west side of Jamestown at Bergman Park has a lot of city residents on edge.
Area resident Jeannie Green Patrizi was able to take a photo of a black bear across the street from Bergman Park in the city on Monday, Oct. 5.
Black Bears are most active this time of year as they prepare to stock up on food before hibernating for the winter. And with the recent rise in the bear population across New York and Pennsylvania, it’s likely that bear sightings, even in populated areas and within city limits, will become more common.
However, residents shouldn’t be overly alarmed by a bear sighting in their area.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, black bears try to avoid contact and interaction with humans as much as possible. The DEC says that if you do encounter a bear, you should never approach, surround or corner the animal. They also advice residents to stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, and back slowly away from the area, rather than running from the animal. Loud noises – like yelling, clapping or banging pots – are also known to scare away a bear.
Once a bear leaves your area, you should remove all attractants such as bird seed, garbage, and pet food and also ask neighbors to do the same.
DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the deliberate and intentional feeding of black bears. The incidental, indirect feeding of black bears also is unlawful after a written warning has been issued by the department.
For more information on what to do if you see a bear near your home or in your neighborhood, you can visit the State DEC Website or call the Western Allegany region office (716) 372-0645.
Also, for more detailed information, read the DEC Black Bear Response Manual.
Same bear, same day, in from of my house on City View.