Full Notification

There’s been a bear sighting in the area of Croton Dam Rd as well as throughout Westchester County.

As a reminder, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation advises that bears will only be encouraged to leave the area if the bear creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively towards a human or pet, attempts to enter a home, or is injured and cannot move freely to escape.

If the bear creates a problem, New Castle Police will respond and, if necessary, the NYDEC. Otherwise, the black bear is natural to the area, and residents should take precautions to avoid contact. According to the DEC, proper storage of garbage and the removal of bird feeders during periods when bears are active are the two most important steps you can take to drastically reduce nuisance bear problems in your area.

NYDEC - What to Do if You See a Bear

Don’t panic. Bears are more likely to be afraid of you than you are of them. Know that you have the privilege of seeing a magnificent wild creature close-up, but don’t lose sight of the fact that bears are powerful animals that may defend themselves if they feel threatened.
 
Never approach, surround, or attempt to touch a bear.

Always leave a clear escape route for the bear. If you feel threatened by a bear, back away slowly, but do not run.  If the bear keeps coming back or will not leave, make loud noises—yell, clap, blow car horns or air horns, or drum on nearby objects.

Find more information at https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6995.html