Bear Up A Tree In Newton: Police Standing By

NEWTON, MA — There is a Black Bear up a tree in the vicinity of 1320 Centre St. And Newton Police are asking passers-by to be careful or to just avoid the area.

"Please use caution and avoid the area... An officer is standing by," said Newton Police on social media.

Update as of 8 a.m. Wednesday : "Sometime during the night, the bear made its way down the tree and moved on. If seen in the area, please don’t approach it!" wrote police.

This isn't the first time a friendly black bear has visited the garden city. In 2012 a bear wandered all the way from Cape Cod to the Chestnut Hill area. It was eventually tranquilized and hauled away. In 2013, a bear State environmental police shot and killed a bear in a tree over the Mass Pike in Newton after they said they couldn't tranquilize it. Then in 2015 a bear hung out in Newton for a while before it was hit by a car on I-95/ 128.

Black bears are generally not dangerous but they are wild animals and shouldn't be approached - not even for a selfie, according to wildlife experts. Black bears are usually wary of people. And noise will alert bears to your presence and they will often disappear before you see them if you're out hiking. If you see a bear in the woods it may not immediately recognize you as a human and may be curious until it scents you. Make the animal aware of your presence by clapping, talking, or making other sounds while slowly backing away, according to tips from wildlife experts.

Although Massachusetts is the third most densely-populated state in the country, black bears have been increasing in numbers and distribution since the 1970s, according to Mass.gov. The statewide population of bears is estimated to be over 4,500 animals and is growing and expanding eastward.

Tips for residents

Bears that have been habituated (accustomed) and dependent on human-associated foods, such as bird seed, trash, and pet food, are likely to cause damage and become a nuisance. Removal of food sources and other attractants is key to preventing problems with bears.

Remove bird feeders

If you live in an area with bears, it is best to not set out bird feeders. In general, most bears are denned from mid-December through February. If you choose to put out bird feeders, doing so during this time maydecrease the chance of a bear coming to your feeder. In mild winters, some bears may be active year-round. Bring in any feeders at the first sign of bear activity.
Secure trash

Put trash barrels out the morning of trash pickup, not the previous evening. Store all garbage in closed containers in a garage or outbuilding. Using double bags or sprinkling with ammonia will help reduce odors. If you compost, do not throw meat scraps, greasy, oily, or sweet materials in your compost pile. Businesses and campgrounds in bear country should invest in bear-proof dumpsters with a locking lid. Trash should always be placed inside the dumpster, and never left accessible to bears.
Remove other attractants

Always feed pets indoors. Clean greasy barbecues and grills after each use. Do not leave food scraps, grease containers, or spilled grease in your yard. PROTECT BEES AND CHICKENS: Use electric fencing to safeguard hives and coops. Electric fences are most effective when put up and continuously charged before the first damage occurs. Keep open, mowed areas on all sides of hives and coops and do not locate hives or coops in abandoned areas or close to brushy, overgrown areas.
If you see a bear in your neighborhood

A bear’s first response to something unusual is to leave. If a bear is feeding in an area where it doesn’t belong, such as your yard, on a porch, or in a dumpster, step outside, yell, and make lots of noise. The bear will usually leave—accompanied by its young. Habituated bears may ignore minor harassment. If you continue to see bears, check your property and remove any potential food sources.

Previously Newton Bear related reporting on Patch:

• Black Bear Tranquilized in Chestnut Hill, Hauled Away (Jun 26, 2012)
• PHOTOS: Long, Strange Trip for Wandering Black Bear (June 2012)
• Newton Bear Killed on 128 (October 2015).

From others:

• They shot and killed the bear. (2013)