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Black bear spotted in Weston; first time in 25 years

Print | Comments () Posted by Mike Bello May 31, 2011 03:56 PM

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By Brian MacQuarrie, Globe Staff

Weston police today warned residents by telephone that a small black bear has been sighted in town. A young bear, weighing about 150 pounds, has been reported near the Wayland town line, then near Waltham, and twice this morning near the Massachusetts Turnpike, police said.

The bear sightings have been the first reported in Weston, an upscale western suburb, in at least 25 years, Weston Police Lieutenant John Lyons said.

"We advised residents that, like any other wild animal, don't approach it, keep dogs under control, don't feed it, and contact police," Lyons said.

The bear, which has not caused any injuries, is likely a young male that has been ousted from its mother's den and is foraging on its own for the first time, wildlife officials said. From a low of 100 black bears in the 1970s, Massachusetts now is estimated to have more than 3,000.

"While we urge residents not to panic, we do suggest you use caution when walking in or near wooded areas," Police Chief Steven Shaw said in his message. "Eliminate outdoor food sources at your home, secure trash cans, take in bird feeders, and remove anything else that might be considered an attraction for a foraging animal."

Black bears also have been sighted since Sunday in Wayland and Sudbury. Last Wednesday, an aggressive black bear that is believed to have injured a Center Harbor, N.H., woman was shot and killed in her neighborhood by a state wildlife officer.

Massachusetts wildlife officials said black bears are naturally fearful of humans, but that they can lose that fear if they are fed by people, find food placed near homes in bird feeders or open trash, and gradually become accustomed to foraging there.