Black Bear Spotted In North Andover Friday Afternoon

NORTH ANDOVER, MA —The North Andover Police Department issued a public safety announcement Friday afternoon after a black bear was spotted in town.

The department said it had received multiple calls about a bear seen in the area of Route 114, Sharpners Pond Road and Berry Street.

The NAPD said residents should not approach the bear, feed the bear or stop and take photos or videos of the bear.

The department also is asking residents to do the following:

• Remove all outdoor bird feeders
• Secure any chickens or small livestock
• Secure all garbage, pet food and livestock food
• Avoid feeding pets outside
• Teach children to never run from a bear
• Keep dogs on leashes

"Most bears will leave people alone," the NAPD said in a statement on social media. "Should you encounter a bear, stand like a tree, make yourself look as large as possible and make as much noise as possible. Never run from a wild animal."

The department suggests residents call Massachusetts Environmental Police Dispatch at 800-632-8075 or MassWildlife Northeast District at978-772-2145 for non-emergency bear-related inquiries.

Anybody with bear-related emergencies should call 911.