Black Bear Spotted In Wayland Over Weekend

WAYLAND, MA—It's not so uncommon. Several surrounding towns have reported bear sightings in the past few weeks. Concord police responded to a neighborhoodwhen a bear was spotted out for a morning stroll on Monday. Last week, Framingham police warned of a bearthat made an appearance at a local farm.

On Sunday morning, Wayland police let residents know that a black bear was seen in the Stonebridge Road area.

"We ask that you stay away from the bear and please do not feed the bear," said police. "The Massachusetts Environmental Police are aware of the situation and are working with the Wayland Police on this matter."

To prevent bears from entering your yard, citizens should follow tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:

Avoid filling bird feeders: Bears that find a bird feeder will often revisit that site, month after month, year after year. Bird feeders, bird seed, corn and other bird foods can draw bears into closer proximity to people and often result in bears losing their fear of people.

If you see a bear in your yard: Make noise by banging pots and pans, shouting, or using an air horn to try to scare the bear off. Once the bear has left the area, take a close look at your yard for potential bear food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, dirty barbecue grills, open compost, or trash and remove the food sources immediately.

If you come face to face with a bear: Remain calm, talk to the bear in a calm voice (try ‘hey bear, hey bear”) and slowly back away and leave the area. If a bear approaches or follows you, make yourself look bigger by putting your arms above your head. Continue to repeat “hey bear” in a calm voice and back away and leave the area while monitoring the bear.

For additional information, visit mass.gov/bears

Photo via Framingham police