'Huge' Black Bear Caught on Video in Westford

A Westford man was shocked earlier this month to find a hungry black bear snacking on fruit in his backyard.

Dave LeBleu, who lives on Concord Road, saw the bear Sept. 4 and caught it on video, he told the Lowell Sun:

The bear stood up on a tree and ate some peaches. The apparently full-grown animal propped himself up on a branch that bowed under his weight.

“Hey, don’t break my tree!” LeBleu said to the animal.

The next day, the bear returned and ate some grapes, LeBleu told the Sun.

On Sept. 6, a bear was also spotted in Westford on Pilgrim Drive.

There was another black bear sighting on Depot Street Aug. 9. Here’s a map of the three recent sightings:

Bear sightings are not uncommon in Westford. In March, one was spotted near the Robinson School, forcing school officials to keep students inside for recess.

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 here.

Have you seen a black bear in Westford? Leave a comment below with the date and location of the sighting and send photos/videos to westford@patch.com.

Photo: This black bear visited the backyard of a home on Pilgrim Drive Sept. 6. (Courtesy)