New Castle Police Issue Bear Advisory

NEW CASTLE, NY — A black bear sighting has triggered an advisory from the New Castle Police Department.

According to the alert from police, the bear was spotted near Roaring Brook Road near Chappaqua Crossing. Both New Castle Police and the Village of Mount Kisco issued similar alerts earlier this summer.

Conservation officials and police are continuing to take a "live and let live" approach, reminding the community that bears are our neighbors here too.

"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 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 DEC recommendations. Garbage cans should be emptied frequently and kept clean. Grills with leftover grease can also attract bears, officials warned.

SEE ALSO: Police Issue Advisory About Bear Sighting In New Castle

Conservation officials also noted that compost piles can be too inviting for unwelcome four-pawed visitors. Bears are attracted to all types of garbage. Do not add refuse to compost piles. If composting is located close to a home, then move it as far away as possible.