Bear Sightings In Lower Hudson Valley

RYE BROOK, NY — Reports of a black bear surfaced over the weekend in the lower Hudson Valley. Rye Brook Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg said there were several sightings of a black bear in the village.

In an email, he said, on Saturday, it was seen in the Country Ridge and Meadowlark areas.

Late Sunday afternoon, it was in the vicinity of the Rye Ridge Shopping Center.

"Police are aware and advise residents to not leave garbage cans or any food outside," Rosenberg said. "Please keep far away from the bear if you spot it."

He said, that if Rye Brook residents see a bear in their backyards, they should report it to the Rye Brook police.

Once the bear leaves, remove all attractants, such as bird seed, garbage, greasy cooking grills and pet food, and ask your neighbors to do the same.

On its website, the state Department of Environmental Conservation provides tips on how to avoid problems with bears and offers the following safety tips if you encounter a bear:

• Never approach, surround or corner a bear. Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
• Never run from a bear. Stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area.
• Do not throw food or bags at an approaching bear. Doing so encourages bears to approach and "bully" people to get food. By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other residents, and the bear.
• Remember that most black bears prefer to avoid humans.

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