Large Black Bear Sighting Reported: New Castle Police Issue Alert

NEW CASTLE, NY — Police are warning neighbors about a large black bear sighting in the area, but are taking a "live and let live" approach, noting that if the bear doesn't cause problems, it is best left alone.

A large black bear sighting has been reported in Millwood, by the area of the North County Trailway, in the Town of New Castle.

Authorities recommend that residents do not approach or interfere with bears. They also advise removing all bear attractants, like food. Children and pets should be closely monitored.

"A bear is nothing more than a large raccoon," Tom Koepf of the Department of Environmental Conservation told WABC-TV in 2015. "If there's food out they're going to eat it, they're just scavengers."

The best way to keep bears from entering a yard is to remove any sort of food, public safety officials say. Even bird feeders should be removed by April 1, according to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommendations. Garbage cans should be emptied frequently and kept clean. Compost piles should be moved as far away from houses as possible. Grills with leftover grease can also attract bears, officials warned.

The NYS DEC advises that bears will only be encouraged to leave an area unless the bear creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively towards people or pets, attempts to enter homes or is injured and cannot move freely to escape.

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