Mama Bear Papa Bear Baby Bear - Whose Been Sighted in Your Yard?

Mama Bear Papa Bear Baby Bear - Whose Been Sighted in Your Yard?

I received an email today that was sent out by the Town of Ramapo, NY to alert residents about bears that were sighted in the neighborhood and what to do in case you see one.  Of coarse I thought nothing much of it, until I happened home at around 4:00 this afternoon and saw several police cars in my neighbors drive.

Thinking it might be an emergency situation with her family, I headed there to see if there was anything I could do to help, just to find the officers making their way from her yard to mine with rifles in hand.

It seems that the bear was sighted in the wooded area behind my home and they were there to try and get it.  Of coarse, all they can do is hit it with pellets to encourage the bear to leave the area and seek greener pastures.  Unless they can get the bear trapped in a tree, the DEC will not trap it and physically remove it.

So, fellow Town of Ramapo residents and fellow Rocklanders, read the info below so that just in case its you that meets up with a bear or sights one, you'll know just what to do and more importantly, what not to do.

Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence's office is advising that residents do the following:

1)If you see the bear, call the Ramapo Police Department (357-2400) or Ramapo Animal Control Officer (Cathy McGrath 222-8449) immediately.

DO NOT APPROACH THE BEAR

2)The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulates the removal of Black Bears from all venues in New York State. During normal business hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM call the Wildlife Regional Office (845) 256-3098 or during off-duty hours 4:00 PM - 8:00 AM call 1-877-457-5680 to report a sighting and/or an emergency situation (after calling the local Police).

3)DEC officials will inspect areas in Ramapo where bear sightings have occurred on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. Our Animal Control Officer will lead the inspection tour.

4)The Ramapo Police Department is increasing Police presence in the areas where sightings have occurred, in particular during night time hours.

5)Reminder: Please take down all birdfeeders and cover your garbage cans. These are the two major attractions for black bears.