Hopkinton Bear Sightings: Safety Tips

HOPKINTON, MA – Multiple bear sightings have been reported in Hopkinton, police said. Officers are keeping an eye out for bears in the area, but assure residents there is no need to worry. Even so, the department shared a number of safety tips for black bears, the only bear species in Massachusetts.

Keep in mind these tips should you come across a bear, according to Mass. Audobon.

Eliminate or Enclose Food Sources

If a black bear visits a property and finds no food it will most likely move on. If it finds food and the food continues to be available, the bear will frequent the area time and time again.

Bird Feeders

In communities in central and western Massachusetts inhabited by black bears, all bird feeders and suet feeders should be removed from yards between April 1 and November 1, the months when black bears are active.
During the time when black bears are hibernating, November 1 until the end of March, feeders can be kept outdoors.

Gardens, Berry Patches, and Orchards

In the late summer and fall, when bears are “fattening up’” in preparation for winter hibernation, bears will consumejustabout any species of fruit or berry found in orchards and yards. To discourage bears, pick fruit daily as it ripens and before it falls to the ground. Strobe lights, fire crackers, air horns, or loud music will deter black bears, but the location of the light or sound should be moved every few days to confuse the bear.
Electrified, six-foot-high, seven-wire fencing has been used successfully to keep bears away from crops, but this technique may be cost prohibitive for the small grower. In order for an electric fence to be an effective deterrent to bears, the fence must provide a shock of 5,000 to 6,000 volts.

Bee Hives

To a black bear, a bee hive is an easily accessed, container of delicious snacks--bee larva and honey. To the apiarists (bee keepers) it’s a costly loss of a hive, bee colony, and honey.
Occasionally, bears can be deterred from attacking hives by placing the hives in large open spaces, far away from woods or other areas where they can find cover and feel safe.
Some bee keepers have found that strapping a hive together (top to bottom) with one or two heavy-duty ratcheting straps, has been successful. Even if the bear knocks the hive over, the supers do not separate and the bear is unable to get to the honey or larva.
Electric fencing will also exclude black bears from an apiary.

Encountering a Black Bear

Should you come into close contact with a bear, please follow the below steps.

• If the bear doesn’t see you, slowly and quietly back away while keeping your eyes on the bear, to determine whether or not it’s following you. Never approach a bear to get a better look or to take photos.
• Do not try to run from a bear or climb a tree. A black bear can do both, and better than you can.
• If the bear is aware of your presence, make yourself look as large as possible, raise your arms, and hold-up your knapsack or a coat. Sing loudly or speak in a firm, non-threatening voice while backing away.
• If the bear tries to approach, be aggressive: yell and wave your arms, jump up and down, blow a whistle or horn.
• An agitated black bear will often huff, stamp its paws, and make a lot of noise to let you know it wants its space. Continue backing away.
• Should the bear actually attack, roll onto your stomach or curl into the fetal position to protect your abdomen. Wrap your arms around your head to protect your neck and face. Remain on the ground until you’re absolutely sure the bear has moved on.

Patch File Photo