MetroWest Black Bear May Have Been Spotted in Acton

The Acton police log from last week had numerous entries of bear sightings, and an official from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife who spoke with the Boston Globe said she thinks it could be the same one seen roaming Weston and Lincoln recently.

Marion Larson said both animals appeared to be black bears, which are known to travel long distances.

Acton police were unable to find the bear, which was first spotted May 18 near Partridge Pond at about 6:30 a.m.

Acton Police Chief Frank Widmayer told the Globe he could not confirm that the animal was indeed a black bear because it had disappeared before his officers arrived. But he added that black bears are not uncommon in Acton.

The bears are usually no danger to people, he said.

If anyone sees a bear, they should just “keep calm and enjoy the show,“ Larson said.

The bear, if it is a male, could have been forced out of its home by an older female bear and it may be attempting to find its own territory, according to the Globe. Hibernation season for bears ended weeks ago.

According to Boxborough police, a black bear was sighted in town on May 17. A photo of that bear can be found on the Boxborough PD Facebook page.