Bear Sighting Reported: New Castle Police Issue Alert

NEW CASTLE, NY — Police are warning neighbors about a bear sighting in the area and reminding the community that bears belong here too.

In a public advisory, police said a black bear was spotted on Friday near Twin Ridges Road and Lake Way in The Town Of New Castle. Bear sightings are not especially rare in the area, with about a half dozen reported sightings this summer.

"The NYS Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) advises that bears will only be encouraged to leave the area unless the bear creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively towards a human or a pet, attempts to enter a home, or is injured and cannot move freely to escape," police officials said in the public alert. "If a bear creates any problem, the New Castle Police will respond and, if necessary, the NYDEC."

Officials also offered a few guidelines for avoiding conflict with the native black bears.

SEE ALSO: Lewisboro Police Warn About Bears

The best way to keep bears from entering a yard is to remove any sort of food, public safety officials say. Even bird feeders should be removed April 1, according to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommendations. Garbage cans should be emptied frequently and kept clean. Grills with leftover grease can also attract bears, officials warned.