Police warn trick-or-treaters to be careful for bear after sighting in Whitman

Police are warning trick-or-treaters to be looking out on Tuesday after a bear was noticed in Whitman earlier within the day.

Whitman police mentioned they obtained a report {that a} black bear was noticed within the space of Industrial Avenue between Linden Avenue and Dyer Avenue round 11:45 a.m. When an officer responded to the realm, additionally they noticed the bear, which was seen within the city earlier this month.

Police mentioned that there was no contact or harmful interactions with the bear to date, however “out of an abundance of warning,” the division could have further officers out through the night to “guarantee everybody’s security throughout trick-or-treating hours.”

On Fb, the division mentioned it’s “monitoring this case as intently as attainable.”

“Brigham Avenue, Winter Avenue, Franklin Avenue, and Kendrick Avenue neighborhoods needs to be on excessive alert and use warning,” the division mentioned. “Please absorb your pumpkins and don’t depart sweet out unattended.”

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has the next ideas for coping with bear encounters:

• Residents are reminded that if a bear is sighted on the town, depart the animal alone. In most conditions, if left alone, the bear will return to the forest by itself.
• Steer clear of the bear and inform others to do the identical. Typically a bear will climb a tree to keep away from individuals. A gathering of individuals not solely stresses the animal, but it surely provides the danger of getting a bear chased out into site visitors or into a bunch of bystanders.
• By no means deliberately feed bears.
• By no means depart trash baggage out – Retailer in a safe constructing or container and put trash out the morning of pickup.
• Examine your yard for bears earlier than letting your canine out. Don’t let canine chase or work together with bears.