At least two more sightings of a black bear were reported on Saturday, this time in a different Massachusetts town on the opposite side of Route 24. The new sightings were reported by police in Stoughton, which said that Massachusetts Environmental Police were also notified about the roaming bear. If seen, residents were urged to keep their distance from the animal.Police said the sightings were reported on Third Street, on the Park Street side, and later in the area of Lincoln and Porter streets. “If you are in the area having outdoor activities, please be aware that the bear is in that area and observed going into the wooded area,” police wrote in a statement.The reports from Stoughton follow numerous close encounters in nearby towns. Holbrook/Avon Animal Control said several Avon and Randolph residents reported seeing and photographing the bear Wednesday night near Route 28 and North Main Street along the Avon-Randolph town line. Additional sightings were confirmed by Animal Control officers in the area of DeMarco Park and D.W. Field Park on Thursday.On Friday, Avon police announced the closure of DW Field Parkway and the gates at South Street because of the bear sighting. DW Field Park was closed. “For your safety, please stay out of the park and avoid the area until further notice,” police wrote. “This will allow authorities and wildlife officials to safely handle the situation and do what they need to do.”NewsCenter 5 visited the communities on Friday and heard stories about additional sightings as the bear continues to search for food. One woman, who flagged down a NewsCenter 5 photographer, said a bear had crossed the street in front of her car. “If seen, do not try to approach or follow the bear. Also, keep a close watch on pets, secure trash barrels, chicken coops, and remove bird feeders until the bear moves through the area,” Animal Control officials wrote.Any sightings can be reported to local police, animal control or Massachusetts Environmental Police at 800-632-8075. Additionally, officials advised that 911 should only be called if an immediate emergency response is needed.
STOUGHTON, Mass. —
At least two more sightings of a black bear were reported on Saturday, this time in a different Massachusetts town on the opposite side of Route 24.
The new sightings were reported by police in Stoughton, which said that Massachusetts Environmental Police were also notified about the roaming bear. If seen, residents were urged to keep their distance from the animal.
Police said the sightings were reported on Third Street, on the Park Street side, and later in the area of Lincoln and Porter streets.
“If you are in the area having outdoor activities, please be aware that the bear is in that area and observed going into the wooded area,” police wrote in a statement.
The reports from Stoughton follow numerous close encounters in nearby towns.
Holbrook/Avon Animal Control said several Avon and Randolph residents reported seeing and photographing the bear Wednesday night near Route 28 and North Main Street along the Avon-Randolph town line.
Additional sightings were confirmed by Animal Control officers in the area of DeMarco Park and D.W. Field Park on Thursday.
On Friday, Avon police announced the closure of DW Field Parkway and the gates at South Street because of the bear sighting. DW Field Park was closed.
“For your safety, please stay out of the park and avoid the area until further notice,” police wrote. “This will allow authorities and wildlife officials to safely handle the situation and do what they need to do.”
NewsCenter 5 visited the communities on Friday and heard stories about additional sightings as the bear continues to search for food. One woman, who flagged down a NewsCenter 5 photographer, said a bear had crossed the street in front of her car.
“If seen, do not try to approach or follow the bear. Also, keep a close watch on pets, secure trash barrels, chicken coops, and remove bird feeders until the bear moves through the area,” Animal Control officials wrote.
Any sightings can be reported to local police, animal control or Massachusetts Environmental Police at 800-632-8075.
Additionally, officials advised that 911 should only be called if an immediate emergency response is needed.