Black Bears Sighted In Westchester County

YORTOWN, NY — We don’t know if there were any “pic-a-nic” baskets for the taking, but this weekend has seen instances of a black bear being spotted in Yorktown. Saturday around 11 a.m. Yorktown police sent out an alert that a black bear had been sighted along Route 202 near BJ’s.

Police warned to use caution if outside and to not approach the animal if seen.

Then Sunday around 10:30 a.m. a bear was spotted on Vista Court off Route 202.

It was chased up a tree by a dog, police said.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, if you encounter a bear, never approach, surround or corner it. Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened.

You should never run from a bear. The DEC said to stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area.

For more information about how to handle other bear contacts, go to the DEC website.

Yorktown police are not currently searching for the bear, but if a bear is spotted, call the Yorktown police at 914-962-4141.

Patch graphic.