"Unconfirmed" Bear Sighting Near Waterloo Mills: Easttown Twp. Police

Easttown Township Police are reporting an "unconfirmed bear sighting" near Waterloo Mills Thursday afternoon.

Easttown Township Police Sgt. Roy LaRue said the report came from someone who said they might have seen a bear in the area. He said officials at Beaumont Elementary and Delaware County Christian Elementary schools, as well as the Waterloo Mills property caretaker have been notified of the unconfirmed sighting.

No bear has been found, he said.

"We have no further information," LaRue said of the unconfirmed sighting. He went on to say if anyone sees a bear to contact police immediately.

Bears been were spotted in Radnor and Easttown last week, prompting Radnor Township Police to offer tips on how to handle the bear sightings:

• Keep your dog on a leash if a bear is active in your area.
• Turn on outside lights and make noise when walking pets after dark.
• Keep your pet in the house after dark.
• Don’t leave small pets outside unless you are present.
• Feed your pets inside. If you must feed them outside, remove their dish and clean up afterwards.
• Store food and other attractants in animal-proof containers with locking lids.

If a pet is attacked, police urge residents not to approach the bear. Police said the best options to stop an attack are making noise, or spraying a hose or throwing objects at the bear from a safe distance. Owners should gather their pet and leave the area after the bear has fled. Police said after calling a veterinarian, owners should immediately call the appropriate state wildlife agency.

Police said no one should approach a bear or wild animal and should call 911 immediately when encountering a wild animal.

Patch file photo