Ramapo Reopens Park After Bear Family Leaves

PHOTO: Mark B. Hirshberg/JPUpdates

Manny Welder Park was reopened late this morning, after Ramapo and state officials assured themselves that the bear family that so delighted a crowd of Sunday sightseers were gone.

“The bears have not been seen in the area since late last night,” the Ramapo Police Department posted on its Facebook page at 10:40 a.m. “The options available to deal with the bears are limited. The best course of action is to leave them alone. The public is reminded that they need to be careful leaving garbage outside. It is believed that these bears are simply looking to eat. RPD appreciates the assistance last night of Chaverim of Rockland. Monsey Fire Department and NYS ECON PD.”

Yesterday, after a mama bear and her cubs were spotted in the park, some kids chased the cubs, who retreated up a tree, Ramapo police told reporters.

Videos show bears in the tree and later at the base of another tree later in the night.

Here’s some bear encounter advice from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:

• Never Approach or Surround a Bear - Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
• Avoid Walking Trails at Night - Stay in your campsite to avoid chance encounters.
• Use Noise to Scare Bears - Yell, clap or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite.
• Never Run From a Bear - If you feel threatened, back away slowly.
• Do Not Throw Your Backpack or Food Bag at an Approaching Bear - This practice will only encourage bears to approach and “bully” people to get food