Black Bear Sighting In North Madison

A big black bear has been sighted in North Madison, for the second time in recent weeks, according to the town's deputy director of emergency management, Ed Brunt. Bears have been sighted several times this fall, he said.

Brunt said Wednesday that the bear at this point does not appear to be a problem, and said it was not unusual to see bears and other kinds of wildlife in North Madison, which is heavily wooded in parts.

He encouraged residents to make sure that they don't leave food around, because if the bear gets used to obtaining food where he is, he is more likely to stick around.

"It looks like a male," he said. "It's pretty big. Over the years, we've had quite a few sightings.

The most recent bear sighting was Princess Drive, but they have also been seen on Blueberry Hill Road, and Opening Hill Road, Brunt said.

Madison 911 issued an alert about the bear on Twitter: "Another photo of our North Madison bear. So far he is well behaved, but please don't leave food out near your house." A subsequent message also provide a link to additional information about bears.