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North Attleborough warned about bear after sightings

E-mail|Link|Comments () June 9, 2009 09:49 AM

By Michele Richinick, Globe Correspondent

Officials are warning North Attleborough residents to be cautious because a
bear may be on the loose.

There were four sightings of a bear throughout the day on Friday in a
densely wooded area along Interstate 295, which is the least populated area
of town, Police Captain Daniel Coyle said.

The first sighting occurred around 7:30 a.m. when a man going to work saw a
bear walk across Paine Road. About two hours later, another person living
on Paine Road called and said the bear had walked through the yard. At 9:30
p.m., the bear appeared in another yard and stole food out of a bird feeder.
The bear returned to the same yard around 11 p.m.

Animal control officers believe the bear is a male who weighs between 150
and 180 pounds.

There have not been any confirmed cases of bear sightings since Friday, but
police encourage residents not to leave their garbage or pet trays outside.
Police have sent out a message to all North Attleborough residents warning
them about the sightings.

"They should not be fearful, but they should be cautious," Coyle said. "We
will certainly let people know if we have any sightings."

North Attleborough police ask residents to call the department at 508-695-1212
if there are any bear sightings.