WESTFIELD—The city has been graced with the presence of several bears in recent weeks.
This bear was seen on Jefferson St. in Westfield on Thursday reaching for a bird feeder. (Photo submitted by Gilbert Rodriguez)
Westfield Animal Control and Westfield Police have been receiving numerous reports about the animals, with as many as 13 sightings reported between June 20-23. But the presence of the animals is not one to be concerned by, and preventing them from roaming around can be as simple as limiting their food sources.
There were several reports and sightings Thursday afternoon in the Washington and Jefferson Street areas.
“If we don’t give them what they’re looking for they’ll go elsewhere,” Lori Charette, manager of the Westfield Animal Shelter, said.
Charette said that the bears are coming out to find food, and humans tend to have a fair amount of what they are looking for outside of their homes. This drives the bears to areas that may be unpleasant for some to experience a bear, such as a backyard.
Bear in a backyard on Barbara Street. Photo courtesy of Laurie Maratea via Facebook.
Currently, Charette believes that the majority of the sightings are involving three different bears, which have been seen in the areas of Southampton Road near Barbara Street, as well the areas of Cabot and Russell Roads. No injuries or significant damage to property have been reported.
Bears are mostly found feasting on bird feeders and garbage, so preventing their presence starts with making sure they cannot get to these items. Charette suggests making sure that bird feeders and trash cans are secure, so that the bears aren’t tempted.
“It’s summer, they’re looking for food,” Charette said. “People are keeping the bird feeders up encouraging bad behavior from the bears.”
The rash of sightings didn’t alarm Charette, who said that this is a rather common occurrence in this area. The bears come out during the spring after hibernation to refuel and then continue through the summer, then again during the fall to build back up for hibernation.
Charette suggests that if you see a bear, bring children and animals inside. This will lessen the likelihood of the bear being startled and becoming aggressive by children’s higher-pitched voices or an animal’s protective instincts.
However, in some instances coming across a bear could lead to a dangerous situation and the confrontation is inevitable. Luckily, bears are not traditionally aggressive toward humans, but can be if they feel threatened or are surprised–especially if they are with their cubs.
Bear in a tree on Barbara Street. Photo courtesy of Laurie Maratea via Facebook.
The best and most logical solution to avoid an aggressive bear is to never approach them. But if you are in a situation where a confrontation with a bear is unavoidable, experts like Charette and the National Park Service suggest making loud noises to startle them away.
“A lot of times if you’re just loud they’re going to see you before you see them, so they should just scurry away,” Charette said. “They want nothing to really do with us.”
If this does not work and the bear continues to approach or does not leave, the Park Service recommends standing your ground, while also raising your arms and staying calm, so that way you appear larger to the animal and do not provoke an attack.
Also, according to the Park Service, talking in a deep, calm voice will help the bear recognize you as human, which will lessen the likelihood of an attack.
For more information regarding what to do in a bear encounter, visit the Park Service webpage titled “Staying Safe around Bears.”
And if you see a bear, call the Westfield Animal Control Center at (413)564-3129.
