Bear Sightings In Croton-on-Hudson Wednesday

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — A bear or two were sighted in the village Wednesday afternoon. Village officials ask residents if you have a bear sighting in your neighborhood, please contact the police department non-emergency line immediately at 914-271-5177. In case of an emergency, always dial 911.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation says this about bears and humans:

Good housekeeping is a requirement wherever black bears are found. Simple sanitation measures can be the key to avoid attracting bears. Take responsibility for your safety and encourage your neighbors to do the same!

At Home:

• Remove bird feeders after April 1. New York's black bears begin emerging from their winter dens in mid to late March. Bird feed such as suet and seeds are a very strong attraction for bears, even if they can't reach it. Read more about bears and bird feeders.
• Garbage is extremely attractive to bears! It should always be kept in sealed garbage cans inside a sturdy building like a garage or shed. Anything with an odor can attract a bear. Note: Burning garbage is illegal and may increase its attractiveness to bears. Bear resistant trash cans are used all over the country to eliminate human-bear conflicts.
  • If you frequently find bears foraging in your garbage cans, despite proper storage, consider using a bear-resistant trash container. View a list of bear-resistant products (leaves DEC website).
  • Mask garbage odors with ammonia-soaked rags.
  • If you have curbside garbage pickup- take out trash just before your scheduled pickup. Do not put garbage at the curb the night before.
  • Do not place meat or bones in compost piles.
• Remove the grease can from grills after every use. Turn the grill on "High" for several minutes after you are done cooking to burn residual odors off the grill.
• Do not place food outside to attract wildlife. Any food items used to attract birds, squirrels, or other wildlife will also attract bears.
• Do not feed pets outside. Leftover food or even an empty dish can attract a bear.
• Do not operate refrigerators or freezers outside or on porches. Bears can smell what is inside.