Black Bears Becoming A Common Sight In Rhode Island

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Black bears are becoming a common sight in Rhode Island, with several sightings reported across the state since late April. On Sunday, a Charlestown resident photographed a bear brazenly stealing a bird feeder from a deck.

This latest sighting comes less than a week after a woman encountered a bear attempting to open her door in Narragansett. Other bear sightings have been reported in backyards across the state from Coventry to Johnston.

Sunday's encounter was on the deck of Charlestown resident Dave Gilly Gilstein in the area of South County Trail and Narrow Lane. Gilstein spotted the bear taking down his bird feeder before running off with it in its mouth.

Gilstein said he scared the bear away from inside his house, yelling and making noise until the bear became startled and ran away.

Black bears are usually drawn to residential areas by food sources — most often bird feeders, which provide a high-protein meal. To keep bears out of your backyard, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management encourages residents to not fill bird feeders and keep other food sources away by securing trash in covered barrels or sheds, cleaning grills to reduce food smells and not leaving pet food outside overnight.

If you encounter a bear in your yard, stay calm so you don't startle it, DEM recommends. Back away slowly while facing the bear and avoid any sudden movements or noises. Report the sighting to the Rhode Island DEM by calling 401-222-3070.