Bear Spotted In Newton: Police

NEWTON, MA — A black bear was seen in Newton, authorities said Sunday.

The animal was in the Newton Highlands area near Cold Springs Park, according to law enforcement, who said officers were watching its location and state environmental police had been notified.

“Please do not approach the bear,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller tweeted.

A video of the animal shared by police showed the bear running through a front yard.

Anyone who sees the bear is asked to contact police at 617-796-2123.

Items like bird feeders, pet food and trash can attract bears to human areas.

The best way to keep yourself and bears safe is to remove food sources from your backyard and keep your distance if you see one.

If you encounter a bear on a trail, slowly back away while talking in a calm voice. Unlike grizzly bears where the advice is to play dead, experts advise fighting back if a black bear attacks. In your backyard, hazing the bear by making loud sounds can be an effective deterrent.

Bears that spend a lot of time in urban areas are at higher risk of being hit by a car or dispatched by police.