Bear in Chelmsford Kills Chickens, Duck

Patch File Photo: This bear was spotted in Westford on Pilgrim Drive on Sept. 6.

A Chelmsford resident, whose been raising chickens for more than 50 years, woke to find some fell victim to a bear in the area on Wednesday.

Bernie Ready told the Lowell Sun a bear broke into his chicken coop killing five chickens and a duck. He also told the paper he saw the bear as he looked into the woods, eating its prey.

And it may have been the second time in as many days a bear ventured onto his property. On Tuesday Ready told the Sun he found a dead chicken and missing eggs, but thought it may be raccoons or foxes.

Bears are not unique to the area. Last summer bears were reported seen in residential areas in town. And just this past June McCarthy Middle School students were forced to remain indoors after someone inside a classroom spotted a bear roaming the area near the school.

In neighboring Westford, there have been several bear sightings in recent weeks — including two in the Nabnasset neighborhood near the Chelmsford border.

Bears are typically active in the area from April to December. They have been known to attack goat, pigs, and rabbits. Attacks on horses, cats, and dogs are less frequent.

Here are some tips from state wildlife officials on preventing run-ins with bears:

• Take down bird feeders
• Be sure that all pet foods are consumed at a single feeding and not left in the dish. Do not leave pet food or dirty dishes outside at night
• Store all garbage in closed containers in a secure garage or inside location
• Do not place meat scraps, fruit remnants, or sweet materials in your compost pile. Bears will be attracted to these items

Find more tips from the state’s Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.