Community Corner
Black Bear Spotted Near Spencer School [With Reader Photo]
Middletown was abuzz Friday as black bear sightings were reported in the heavily wooded Westfield side of town.
Update: 9 p.m.
Middletown Patch reader Maria Zimmitti took this stunning photograph of the black bear in Middletown at 7:02 a.m. on Route 217 (East Street) near Smith Park and kindly allowed us to publish it.
Original story
A black bear was seen near a Middletown elementary school on Friday morning according to Superintendent Patricia Charles.
Spencer School staff saw a small young bear at about 10:30 a.m., says Associate Superintendent of Schools Enza Macri. They notified Middletown Police and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
A phone alert went out to parents at 2:30 p.m.
Elementary, middle and high school students in Middletown are being asked not to cut through the woods as a precautionary measure. Macri says sometimes high schoolers find shortcuts in the woods while walking home, such as one near Mile Lane.
Lt. Heather Desmond said a Westfield Street resident called in a wildlife complaint this morning. Others who sight the bear are asked to contact the DEEP hotline at 860-424-3333.
Check back with Middletown Patch for updates.
Have you seen this or anyother bear near your home? Tell us the comments below or email a photo to cassandra.day@patch.com.
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