'Big One': Watch Black Bear's Jaunt Through Wingdale Yard

WINGDALE, NY — It's not every day you get to see a black bear. They're rarely seen by most New Yorkers and typically remain dormant for up to five months in the winter. But video on the Neighbors app shows one such bear taking a jaunt through a resident's yard.

In the short video, taken around 10:30 p.m. Dec. 27, the bear appears to hop over and around some patio furniture and run off into the yard. The animal pauses for a moment, seemingly rethinking its departure, then opts to hang around a bit longer.

While black bears are usually found in the wilderness, they can be found in semi-rural environments, agricultural areas and occasionally in urban centers.

"Black bears are an important and natural component of New York's ecosystem," the state Department of Environmental Conservation writes on its website. "Whether you live or recreate in the bear country, please help maintain and protect the bear."

Perhaps most importantly, officials warn residents to protect themselves and their property by refraining from feeding them, as well as limiting things that attract them.

Ring, the owner of the Neighbors app, is a Patch advertiser. Patch received no compensation for this article.