A popular park in Avon, Massachusetts, is closed due to bear sightings, local police announced on Friday. The gates at DW Field Park were closed on South Street and the public is asked to avoid the area while wildlife authorities handle the situation.
Bear Sightings on the Rise
Animal Control officials said that several residents reported a black bear near the Avon/Randolph line on Thursday night. There have been at least two sightings by police near DW Field and DeMarco Park. Black bears are common in western and central Massachusetts, and sightings have been increasing in eastern Massachusetts in recent years.
Animal Control is asking residents in the area to use caution. If seen, do not try to approach or follow the bear. Also, keep a close watch on pets, secure trash barrels, chicken coops, and remove bird feeders until the bear moves through the area.
Experts advise that if you run into a bear in nature, speak in a calm voice and try to back away slowly. Make yourself appear bigger by raising your arms, and make noise to try to scare it off. If the bear charges – which is rare – fight back with anything you have.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
